How is meningitis treated?

Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
Updated on September 09, 2024
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The treatment of meningitis is comprehensive. Firstly, medication should be based on the cause of the disease. For example, if it is caused by bacteria, sensitive antibiotics should be chosen for treatment; if caused by tuberculosis bacilli, standard anti-tuberculosis treatment should be applied; if caused by fungi, appropriate antifungal drugs should be used, and so forth. Additionally, symptomatic treatment is necessary, such as timely decompression treatment for increased intracranial pressure; fever reduction, especially for patients with high fever; and controlling seizures in patients with anticonvulsants. Moreover, it is important to maintain nutritional and electrolyte balance and ensure that the respiratory tract remains clear, among other things. If there are complications, they should be actively treated. (Specific medications should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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Causes of Meningitis

The main causes of meningitis are bacteria, viruses, fungi, rickettsiae, or other pathogens, which invade the pia mater, spinal cord, and theca mater, causing infection. Clinically, bacterial meningitis is more severe. If it is not treated promptly or if the treatment is ineffective or misdiagnosed, it may lead to death within a few hours or even cause permanent brain damage, resulting in sequelae. Meningitis can affect the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. It may also lead to secondary intracranial infections. It is important to choose antibacterial drugs and medications that nourish brain cells and alleviate cerebral edema for symptomatic treatment promptly.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Is meningitis serious?

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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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Meningitis examination methods

The examination methods for meningitis mainly include several types. The first is the lumbar puncture examination, which is a very important diagnostic tool. Through lumbar puncture, one can observe the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, its color, and perform laboratory tests on the CSF to examine biochemical properties and cell count changes. Additionally, it is possible to culture pathogens from the cerebrospinal fluid, which is of great auxiliary value in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of meningitis. Secondly, patients with meningitis also need to undergo physical examinations. If signs of meningeal irritation are found during the physical examination, it also indicates meningitis. Thirdly, patients may need to undergo enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain. If the meningitis lesions are severe, meningeal enhancement can be seen.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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How is meningitis treated?

The treatment of meningitis is comprehensive. Firstly, medication should be based on the cause of the disease. For example, if it is caused by bacteria, sensitive antibiotics should be chosen for treatment; if caused by tuberculosis bacilli, standard anti-tuberculosis treatment should be applied; if caused by fungi, appropriate antifungal drugs should be used, and so forth. Additionally, symptomatic treatment is necessary, such as timely decompression treatment for increased intracranial pressure; fever reduction, especially for patients with high fever; and controlling seizures in patients with anticonvulsants. Moreover, it is important to maintain nutritional and electrolyte balance and ensure that the respiratory tract remains clear, among other things. If there are complications, they should be actively treated. (Specific medications should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Hu Bai Yu
Pulmonology
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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.