Meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges. Meningitis is not to be confused with encephalitis, which is inflammation of the brain, although that may occur with meningitis.

Most cases of meningitis are caused by microorganisms that spread into the blood and into the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Non-infectious causes include cancers and certain drugs. Although the most common cause of meningitis is viral, bacterial meningitis can be very serious and life-threatening. Anyone suspected of having meningitis should have prompt medical evaluation. Meningitis can affect anyone in any age group, from the newborn to the elderly.

Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and has a high mortality rate if untreated. All suspected cases, however mild, need emergency medical attention. Empiric antibiotics must be started immediately, even before the results of the lumbar puncture and CSF analysis are known. Antibiotics started within 4 hours of lumbar puncture will not significantly affect lab results.

Unlike bacteria, viruses cannot be killed by antibiotics. Patients with very mild viral meningitis may only have to spend a few hours in hospital, while those who have a more serious infection may be hospitalised for many more days for supportive care. Patients with mild cases, which often cause only flu-like symptoms, may be treated with fluids, bed rest, and analgesics for pain and fever. The physician may prescribe anticonvulsants such as phenytoin to prevent seizures and corticosteroids to reduce brain inflammation. If inflammation is severe, pain medicine and sedatives may be prescribed to make the patient more comfortable. However, this type of meningitis is highly contagious during its early stages, so patients must be kept isolated for at least several days.

...More at Wikipedia 

Related Links:

• US National Library of Medicine
• Mayo Clinic

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