Meningitis corresponds to the inflammation of the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord, which can be caused by viruses, bacteria and even parasites.
The most characteristic symptom of meningitis is stiff neck, which makes neck movement difficult, as well as headache and nausea. Treatment is done according to the microorganism identified, and can be done with retrovirals, antibiotics, analgesics or corticosteroids.
1. Viral meningitis
Viral meningitis is a type of meningitis caused by viruses, which is more frequent in the summer and in people over 15 years of age. This type of meningitis is less severe and develops flu-like symptoms such as fever, malaise and body aches, symptoms that if treated properly can disappear in 10 days.
Transmission is done through direct contact with secretions from infected people, so it is important to adopt preventive measures, such as washing your hands properly and avoiding close contact with infected people. Learn how to identify and treat viral meningitis.
Herpetic meningitis is caused by the Herpes virus and, despite being a viral meningitis, it is serious, since it can cause inflammation of several regions of the brain, this condition being called meningoencephalitis. Understand more about herpetic meningitis.
2. Bacterial meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is more severe than viral meningitis and corresponds to inflammation of the meninges caused by bacteria such as Neisseria meningitidis , Streptococcus pneumoniae , Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Haemophilus influenzae . The bacteria enter the body through the airways, reach the bloodstream and go to the brain, inflaming the meninges.
This type of meningitis is characterized by high fever, vomiting and mental confusion, for example, and, when left untreated, can put a person's life at risk. Treatment is done with antibiotics according to the bacteria identified in the microbiological examination. Here's how to identify bacterial meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis is called meningococcal meningitis and, although rare, it occurs more frequently in children and the elderly, especially when there are conditions that lower the immune system. This type of meningitis is characterized by stiff neck, with difficulty in bending the neck, severe headache, presence of purple spots on the skin and intolerance to light and noise. Understand what meningococcal meningitis is.
The treatment of meningitis is done, in most cases, with the person admitted to the hospital so that the patient's evolution can be monitored and possible complications avoided. Find out what are the consequences of meningitis.
3. Eosinophilic meningitis
Eosinophilic meningitis is a rare type of meningitis caused by infection by the parasite Angiostrongylus cantonensis , which infects slugs, snails and snails. People become infected by consuming the meat of animals contaminated with the parasite or food contaminated with the secretions of these animals.
The main symptoms of this type of meningitis are severe headache, nausea, vomiting and stiff neck, and treatment is done with medications to relieve symptoms and reduce inflammation, such as pain relievers and corticosteroids. Learn more about eosinophilic meningitis.
