How does meningitis affect the body systems?
Meningitis is an infection of the membranes (meninges) that protect the spinal cord and brain. When the membranes become infected, they swell and press on the spinal cord or brain. This can cause life-threatening problems. Meningitis symptoms strike suddenly and worsen quickly.
What problems does meningitis cause?
Some of the most common complications associated with meningitis are: hearing loss, which may be partial or total – people who have had meningitis will usually have a hearing test after a few weeks to check for any problems. recurrent seizures (epilepsy) problems with memory and concentration.
What happens when you have meningitis?
Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening infection of the meninges, the tough layer of tissue that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. If not treated, meningitis can lead to brain swelling and cause permanent disability, coma, and even death.
How patients are physically affected by bacterial meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis can be life threatening. The infection can cause the tissues around the brain to swell. This in turn interferes with blood flow and can result in paralysis or even stroke.
How do you get DX meningitis?
The most reliable way to diagnose meningitis is with a lumbar puncture . During a lumbar puncture, a doctor inserts a long, thin needle in between two vertebrae in the lower back. This allows them to withdraw some cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which is the fluid that cushions the brain and spinal cord.
How does meningitis kill you?
Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening infection of the meninges, the tough layer of tissue that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. If not treated, meningitis can lead to brain swelling and cause permanent disability, coma, and even death.
How fast does meningitis kill?
Even with prompt diagnosis and treatment, approximately 10- 20% of patients with bacterial meningitis will die within 24 to 48 hours after the onset of symptoms, and around 10-30% will sustain permanent damage and disability.
How contagious is meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is usually less contagious than viral; depending on the bacterial genus causing the infection, it may be contagious during the incubation period and for about an additional seven to 14 days. And they can be contagious for much longer (many days to months) if the person becomes a carrier.
Can meningitis last for months?
Meningitis can be caused by a bacterial, fungal, or viral infection. Meningitis can be acute, with a quick onset of symptoms; it can be chronic–lasting a month or more; or it can be mild or aseptic.
