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Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by infections with viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites, as well as by non-infectious causes like certain medications, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. Here’s a detailed look at the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options for meningitis:
Causes of Meningitis:
Infectious Causes:
-
Bacterial Meningitis:
Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal meningitis)
Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcal meningitis)
Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)
Listeria monocytogenes
Escherichia coli -
Viral Meningitis:
Enteroviruses
Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
Mumps virus
Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) -
Fungal Meningitis:
Cryptococcus neoformans
Coccidioides species
Histoplasma species -
Parasitic Meningitis:
Naegleria fowleri (primary amoebic meningoencephalitis)
Toxoplasma gondii
Non-Infectious Causes:
- Certain medications (e.g., nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, antibiotics)
- Autoimmune diseases (e.g., lupus, sarcoidosis)
- Cancer (metastatic cancer spreading to the meninges)
Symptoms of Meningitis:
Common Symptoms:
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- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache that is different from normal
- Stiff neck
- Nausea or vomiting
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Seizures
- Sleepiness or difficulty waking
- Lack of appetite or thirst
- Skin rash (in meningococcal meningitis)
Symptoms in Newborns and Infants:
- High fever
- Constant crying
- Excessive sleepiness or irritability
- Poor feeding
- A bulge in the soft spot on top of a baby’s head (fontanel)
- Stiffness in the body and neck
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