It is an infectious disease that attacks the meninges of the brain and spinal cord.
Medical terminology: Menin ---> Meninges Itis ---> Inflammation
This, is most commonly produced by bacteria such as pneumococcus, meningococcus, hemophilia and listeria that reach the brain through the bloodstream or through an infection in the ear or sinuses. It can also be contagious virally or fungically.
Meningitis is a disease of care, since it is presented as a simple flu with common symptoms, but can be life-threatening. It can also leave sequels in those who overcome it, such as: loss of hearing, loss of memory, impediments in learning, brain and psychomotor damage, seizures, kidney failure, among others.
SYMPTOM:
Constant high fever
Intense headache
Lack of appetite
Constant crying in young children
Rigidity
Sensitivity to light
Drowsiness
In newborns a protuberance can be observed in the soft spot of the head.
TREATMENT:
This will depend on the type of meningitis, which is why it is important to determine the origin of the disease.
In case of bacterial meningitis: Must be treated with intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroids. The doctor can drain the infection from the sinuses or the mastoid bone, which is located behind the outer ear and connects with the middle ear.
In case of viral Meningitis: In most cases it improves by itself in a few weeks, the doctor usually prescribes rest, analgesics, corticosteroids and anticonvulsant medications.
For its diagnosis, imaging studies such as Computed Tomography or Magnetic Resonance Imaging can be performed.
