Research Paper On Meningitis
Meningitis is the medical term for inflammation of the tissues (meninges) that surround the brain and spinal cord. It is commonlycaused by a virus or a bacteria, which travels from an infection in another part of the body through the bloodstream to the meninges.
The two main types of meningitis are Viral and Bacterial.
Bacterial Meningitis- Many types of bacteria can cause meningitis but the common ones which can also be life threatening are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcal and Meningococcal.
Viral meningitis- Can be caused by airborne droplet infection, direct contact, bite of animal or bug. There are many viruses which can cause meningitis. The presenting symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis are nearly similar …show more content…
The more severe symptoms may include seizure, loss of consciousness, decreased awareness of surroundings.
In the more severe type of meningococcal meningitis the child may develop a purpuric rash or petechiae which do not blanch on pressure. The child may rapidly deteriorate and go into shock. Meningococcal meningitis is a very dangerous type of meningitis with a high mortality rate. It is not uncommon to see an absolutelyhealthy child deteriorating to a very severe life threatening situation within 24 hours.
Treatment-
The mainstay of treatment in bacterial meningitis is appropriate antibiotics, supportive and intensive care. Child may also need supportive measures to aid in breathing, maintaining blood pressure, hydration and nutrition.
In viral meningitis the treatment is essentially supportive and symptomatic. Specific antiviral medications are given only is certain specific viral meningitis.
Prognosis-
With early institution of appropriate treatment most children may recover without any neurological sequel. However certain bacteria like meningococcal have a high morbidity and mortality. Sometimes the patients may also develop neurological deficit requiring physiotherapy later
The two main types of meningitis are Viral and Bacterial.
Bacterial Meningitis- Many types of bacteria can cause meningitis but the common ones which can also be life threatening are caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae or pneumococcal and Meningococcal.
Viral meningitis- Can be caused by airborne droplet infection, direct contact, bite of animal or bug. There are many viruses which can cause meningitis. The presenting symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis are nearly similar …show more content…
The more severe symptoms may include seizure, loss of consciousness, decreased awareness of surroundings.
In the more severe type of meningococcal meningitis the child may develop a purpuric rash or petechiae which do not blanch on pressure. The child may rapidly deteriorate and go into shock. Meningococcal meningitis is a very dangerous type of meningitis with a high mortality rate. It is not uncommon to see an absolutelyhealthy child deteriorating to a very severe life threatening situation within 24 hours.
Treatment-
The mainstay of treatment in bacterial meningitis is appropriate antibiotics, supportive and intensive care. Child may also need supportive measures to aid in breathing, maintaining blood pressure, hydration and nutrition.
In viral meningitis the treatment is essentially supportive and symptomatic. Specific antiviral medications are given only is certain specific viral meningitis.
Prognosis-
With early institution of appropriate treatment most children may recover without any neurological sequel. However certain bacteria like meningococcal have a high morbidity and mortality. Sometimes the patients may also develop neurological deficit requiring physiotherapy later