Meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, which are the brain and spinal cord membranes, typically caused by an infection. Meningitis is usually caused by a viral infection but can also be bacterial or fungal. However, injuries, cancer, certain drugs, and other types of infections also can cause meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis is the most common dangerous type of meningitis and can be fatal within 24 hours.
Vaccines can prevent some forms of meningitis. General symptoms include headache, fever, and stiff neck. Depending on the cause, meningitis may get better on its own, or it can be life-threatening, requiring urgent antibiotic treatment.
== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of meningitis include:
*Fever and chills
*Headache
*Sneezing, cough, and sweating
*Sore throat
*Fatigue and weakness
*Tiredness
*Nausea and vomiting
*Loss of appetite
*Seizures
*Stiff neck
*Sensitivity to light
*Numbness and weakness of the arms and legs
*Numbness, tingling, or paralysis of one side of the body
*Confusion and memory loss
*Slurred speech, trouble speaking, and trouble understanding
*Blindness in one or both eyes
*Deafness in one or both ears
*Problems with balance, attention, and coordination
*Fainting
*Loss of consciousness
== Causes ==
Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis, however, bacterial meningitis is the deadliest type of meningitis. That's followed by bacterial infections and, rarely, fungal and parasitic infections. Because bacterial infections can lead to death, learning the cause is essential.
Streptococcus pneumoniae, neisseria meningitidis, haemophilus influenzae, and listeria monocytogenes are the bacterias that cause meningitis. Viruses that cause meningitis include enterovirus, herpes simplex virus, HIV, mumps virus, and West Nile virus can also cause meningitis.
== Treatment ==
Meningitis no longer needs to be treated usually, it goes away on its own. However, antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids may be needed to treat meningitis to prevent complications.
Category:Bacteria
Category:Viruses
Category:Inflammation
Category:Brain
Category:Nervous system
Category:Short-term
Category:Critical