Understanding Meningitis: Causes, Symptoms, and Management

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Meningitis

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord. The swelling caused by the inflammation tiggers signs such as headache, stiff neck and fever. In any suspect for meningitis the patient must get to the emergency room as soon as possible.

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Signs & symptoms

Common symptoms for meningitis are usually fever, headache, and neck stiffness. Other symptoms may include altered mental status, jaundice, and weakness.

Diagnosis

Based on signs, symptoms and physical examination, diagnosis is made with a cerebrospinal fluid analysis. Low sugar and elevated protein in cerebrospinal fluid may suggest on a meningitis caused by a bacteria.

Treatment

Treatment for meningitis is based on the cause. Bacterial meningitis is treated with antibiotics, whereas meningitis caused by herpes is treated with anti-herpetic drugs. In several cases steroids are given as adjunct therapy to protect the patient from hearing loss.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

National Institutes of Health ∙ World Health Organization ∙ MedlinePluse ∙ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

☝ All information has been reviewed by certified physicians from Alike

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