Meningitis

Acute inflammation of the meninges is called meningitis. Meninges are the outer protective layer of the brain and spinal cord that get inflamed.

Meningitis is caused by viral or bacterial infection.
The most common form is viral meningitis which is less severe than bacterial meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis is not common, it is a rare condition but that can be life-threatening.

It can occur at any age.

Bacterial meningitis mainly affects children and young people between the age of 15-25.

Viral meningitis mainly affects young adults.

Causes and risk factors: 
1. Viruses:

Different viruses can cause meningitis.

Most common are enterovirus and coxsackievirus that can cause throat pain and diarrhea.

Viral meningitis mainly occurs during the summer.

2. Bacterias:

Bacterial meningitis is a very rare condition.

●  Newborn babies or 3-month-old babies are mainly affected by group B streptococci. Bacterias can transmit from the mother to the baby during delivery.

●  The infection is mainly caused by Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal) which affects mainly children or teenagers.

●  Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumonia with serotypes 6,9,14 and 23 are the main causes of meningitis in adults.

●  Fungal: Fungal meningitis mainly affects the age people with immunosuppressive disease like AIDS and having certain medications like NSAID can cause

Endocarditis can be the reason for meningitis, where bacterias from the heart valve travel to the brain via the bloodstream.

Trauma: bacteria enter the brain.

Skull fracture

People with weakened immune systems or pre-existing illnesses like HIV or having chemotherapy are at higher risk of getting an infection. Ear infections like otitis media and mastoiditis may result in meningitis.

7. People with a history of tuberculosis are at higher risk of meningitis.

Symptoms:
● Severe headache
● Stiffness of neck
● Fever
● Nausea and vomiting
● Diarrhea
● Photophobia
● Positive kernig’s sign
● Leg pain
● Cold extremities
● Altered mental status.
● Meningococcal rashes over skin ● Seizures
● Drowsiness

Signs in new-born:

● High fever
● Babies cry day and night
● Irritable
● Poor appetite
● Swelling of the upper part of the headache ● Vomiting
● Stiffness and pain of the neck

Diagnosis:
● Spinal tap to diagnose meningitis ● CT scan and MRI
● Blood tests like:

1. C-reactive protein
2. Complete blood count 3. Blood culture

Prognosis:

Viral meningitis usually takes 1-2 weeks or it may take weeks to a month to get a complete cure. But proper treatment should be taken or it can be fatal.

Homeopathy medicines:

● Belladonna: belladonna is well indicated for the early stage of meningitis. Cerebral irritation is marked by severe pain in the head. Babies are sleepy and crying out in sleep. fever with redness of the face or flushed face. Palpitation with increased heat of the body.

● Cicuta: cicuta can be given in the initial stage of meningitis where convulsion occurs with unconsciousness. Twitching of fingers and hands. The Head is drawn back with the stiffness of the neck. Jerking and twitching of body parts.

● Apis mellifica: Apis is well indicated for meningitis with delirium and drowsiness. It helps in reducing the swelling of the meninges. Confusion and dullness are present. Pain in the backside of the head. Diplopia and difficulty in vision are also there. It acts well on meningitis with hydrocephalus.