Meningitis in Adults

Meningitis in adults is one disease that scares one and all. This is a very dangerous disease that may lead to fatal consequences. It is the inflammation of the meninges and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) due to microbial invasion. Septicemia is one of common causes that leads to meningitis. Many people recover from the disease, but it may lead to deafness or blindness in a few patients and death in the unfortunate few.

The main problem of meningitis that leads to number of disabilities is its sudden development. A person may seem fit and fine and will almost suddenly be struck with meningitis. The symptoms also are similar to other diseases and therefore may be taken lightly initially.

Information on Meningitis
This condition may be caused by many agents like bacteria, virus, fungi, medicinal reactions, etc. When the body's immune system is compromised, the harmless bacteria and viruses that we all tend to breathe in may develop serious infection in adults. It can also spread by coughing, sneezing and even kissing.

The viral meningitis is a common infection and is far less severe than the bacterial one. It can be treated at home and generally subsides on its own. The symptoms in adults include headache, fever, drowsiness and in rare cases deep coma.

The bacterial counterpart, the most dangerous infection of the meninges, is fortunately a rare disease. It is caused by three main bacteria, namely, meningococcal group C, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) and pneumococcus like Streptococcus pneumoniae. Bacterial meningitis can also be caused due to blood poisoning like septicemia. This is due to the bacterial toxins in the bloodstream that spreads throughout the body. Septicemia is very dangerous as the patient may lose his life.

Spinal meningitis can be caused by bacteria or virus. The common cause is the enterovirus group. In case of bacterial infection, the main causative agents are Streptococcus pneumonia and Neisseria meningitidis . The symptoms in adults include fever, headache nausea, vomiting and a stiff neck in case of both bacteria and viral infection. One may even observe confusion and seizures in case of bacterial infection.

Symptoms
Symptoms of viral and bacterial meningitis are similar. You may observe some or most of the following symptoms:

• Severe headache
• Fever
• Vomiting
• Stiff and painful neck
• Seizures
• Confusion

Some less common symptoms include:

• Muscle aches
• Tingling throughout the body
• Drowsiness
• Blotchy skin
• Dizziness
• Moodiness
• Drowsiness

Septicemia may lead to following symptoms:

• Fever
• Drowsiness
• Rapid breathing
• Confusion
• Cold hands and feet
• Shivering
• Joint pain
• Skin rash

The rash appearing in this infection looks like bright red spots that merge to give an appearance of fresh bruises. When you press a glass against the skin, the red spot won't disappear. This test is called the 'tumbler test'. Positive results are a sign that you should immediately seek medical help.

Treatment
In case of bacterial meningitis, the patient needs to be hospitalized immediately. The treatment includes antibiotics that are given with a 'drip' intravenously. If the patient suffers from breathing trouble, oxygen may be provided and intravenous fluids given to control dehydration and shock.

Viral meningitis can be treated with over-the-counter painkillers. The recovery takes about two weeks to clear and in case of severe infection, medical intervention is required. There are no specific treatments available.

Vaccines Available
Vaccines help prevent the disease to some extent. The meningococcal vaccine against Neisseria meningitidis is routinely given to people in America. Though, this vaccine is ineffective for children under the age of two. The pneumococcal vaccine against Streptococcal pneumoniae is recommended for all over the age of 65 years of age and people who have surgically had their spleen removed or suffer from sickle cell disease. It is routinely administered to children aged two, four and thirteen months. If you need to travel to countries with periodic epidemics of meningitis, it is better to get yourself vaccinated, at least a week before departure.

The meningitis C vaccine helps stimulate the body to produce antibodies against the group C of meningococcal disease. Anyone under the age of 25 years who hasn't been vaccinated should get immunized. The Hib vaccine helps protect children from this disease and also from whooping cough, diphtheria, tetanus and polio. It is given in three doses to children aged two, three and four months.

In case of viral meningitis, you need to provide the patient good nursing care. The bacterial counterpart is a serious condition and needs prompt medical help. It is always best that you speak to your doctor in case of any questions.