2023-10-28 20:55:05
Meningitis, an infection of the coverings surrounding the brain, can be very serious if not treated in time. Here are the symptoms to watch out for.
It is a serious illness which returned last winter. Meningitis results in inflammation of the meninges (tissues between the brain and the skull) and can be caused by a virus, a bacteria or even more rarely a fungus or a parasite.
It is a contagious disease that is transmitted through the air and saliva. Here are the signs to watch for.
Signs of viral meningitis
Common in young children, viral meningitis most often results from infections with viruses from the enterovirus family such as echovirus or Coxsackie virus. Viral diseases such as chickenpox, shingles, measles, mumps, herpes or primary HIV infection can also cause it.
Headaches are among the earliest signs of viral meningitis. These headaches are usually accompanied by other signs such as “fever, increased sensitivity to light, vomiting or stiff neck,” lists the MSD Manual.
Of viral origin, meningitis is generally benign. “Healing takes place in a few days, without following-effects or treatment,” indicates theHealth Insurance.
It should be noted that only serious forms, notably meningoencephalitis, for example linked to herpes or associated with a state of immunosuppression, require the taking of antivirals.
Signs of bacterial meningitis
Potentially more serious, bacterial meningitis is responsible for 170,000 deaths per year worldwide, according to the World Health Organization.
Some of the most common signs of bacterial meningitis include loss of appetite, neck stiffness, fever, confusion or altered mental status, headache, nausea and vomiting.
Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and treatment must be initiated quickly.
One in five people surviving an episode of bacterial meningitis may have lasting effects, including: “hearing loss, seizures, limb weakness, problems with vision, speech, language, memory and communication, as well as scars and amputations of limbs following a septic state,” specifies theWorld Health Organization.
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