Is meningitis serious?

Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Meningitis is a common infectious disease of the central nervous system. Patients with meningitis often experience symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and neck stiffness. As the disease progresses, they may also experience seizures, motor disorders, disturbed consciousness, coma, and other conditions, with severe cases posing a risk to life. Many patients can still have sequelae after recovery, such as speech impairments, hemiplegia, and decreased intelligence. Therefore, meningitis is a very serious disease, and patients should actively cooperate with doctors for treatment after becoming ill.

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sequelae of meningitis

Firstly, it may cause meningitis adhesions leading to hydrocephalus. Once hydrocephalus occurs, it may leave cognitive impairments as sequela, such as slow response, memory decline, and reduced executive functions. Secondly, tuberculous meningitis might also damage cranial nerves, resulting in symptoms such as diplopia, difficulty swallowing with choking on water, and dysarthria. If it affects the facial nerve, peripheral facial paralysis and other sequelae might occur. Thirdly, it could also lead to arteritis. The occurrence of arteritis can cause arterial occlusion, leading to the formation of cerebral infarction.

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Is meningitis scary?

Meningitis is a relatively common infectious disease of the central nervous system in clinical practice. The common types of meningitis seen clinically include viral meningitis, tuberculous meningitis, and purulent meningitis. The main clinical symptoms of meningitis include headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, and signs of meningeal irritation; some may present with focal neurological deficits in symptoms and signs. If meningitis is not treated promptly or the treatment is ineffective, it often leads to significant sequelae, and can even endanger the patient's life. Therefore, meningitis is considered a serious disease of the central nervous system. If diagnosed with meningitis, timely treatment is essential, underscoring the seriousness of the disease.

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
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Does meningitis cause fever?

Generally, patients with meningitis exhibit symptoms of fever, along with headaches, nausea, vomiting, or some cognitive impairments and confusion. It is advised that everyone should be cautious and distinguish the symptoms of meningitis from those of common colds, and perhaps visit the department of neurology at a hospital for proper diagnosis and targeted treatment. Under the circumstance of meningitis, it is crucial to follow the doctor's guidance and actively cooperate with the treatment. Typically, a regimen involving anti-infection and antiviral medications is necessary for about two to three weeks, and most patients have a favorable prognosis. Additionally, it is important to maintain a relaxed mood, avoid excessive stress, and drink adequate water to promote excretion.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
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How is meningitis transmitted?

Meningitis, a disease primarily transmitted through close contact, airborne droplets, and poor dietary habits, is mainly caused by bacterial infections leading to purulent meningitis in clinical settings. Some cases are due to tuberculosis bacillus causing tuberculous meningitis. Additionally, there are viral forms of meningitis, most commonly from enteroviruses or Echo viruses. A minority of patients may also develop cryptococcal meningitis. Treatment should involve the use of appropriate antimicrobial drugs based on clinical symptoms and the infecting pathogen, coupled with measures to decrease intracranial pressure and relieve brain edema, ensuring early detection and treatment to prevent complications.

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How to test for meningitis?

The main methods for meningitis examination are lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid testing. Cerebrospinal fluid examination may show increased pressure, turbid appearance, and purulent changes, containing a large number of white blood cells and neutrophils. Routine blood tests may also show a white blood cell count significantly higher than normal, predominantly composed of immature neutrophils. Additionally, it is possible to check electrolytes and use auxiliary diagnostic tools such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI to confirm the diagnosis, facilitating early detection and treatment.