Meningitis

Meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. But why is the disease so dangerous?

The inflammation of the meninges can be caused by viruses or bacteria. This infection then causes headache, neck stiffness, fever, reduced consciousness, vomiting and hypersensitivity to light or sound. Meningococcal infection produces a typical skin rash. Neck stiffness is one of the characteristic complaints. However, a distinction must be made between the neck pain that occurs with a normal viral infection and the neck stiffness of meningitis in which one can no longer touch the sternum with the chin. An epidural injection is often required for diagnosis.

Meningitis can be life-threatening because the inflammation can affect the brain and spinal cord. Especially in the case of a meningococcal infection, the condition can be fatal within a few hours. Hospital admission is always necessary for treatment.

Author: Prof. Dr. Dirk Devroey - Latest update: 0000-00-00 - Copyright: Clinifacts 2024