Is vomiting frequent in meningitis?

Written by Xie Wen
Neurology
Updated on September 15, 2024
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Is vomiting frequent in meningitis? There are generally two situations for frequent vomiting in meningitis. The first situation occurs when pathogens infect the meninges or brain tissue, leading to an inflammatory response in the brain tissue, which then causes brain edema and subsequently leads to increased intracranial pressure. When intracranial pressure increases, it can cause vomiting, and this type of vomiting becomes projectile. Therefore, when vomiting is frequent and projectile, accompanied by severe headaches, fever, or even changes in condition, it is necessary to be vigilant about the increase in intracranial pressure leading to the formation of brain herniation, a situation that must be urgently addressed. The second reason is that after the pathogen enters the blood, it invades the gastrointestinal tract. An infection of the gastrointestinal tract itself can also cause frequent vomiting, accompanied by diarrhea, or even gastrointestinal bleeding, etc.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
37sec home-news-image

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is predominantly an inflammation that occurs in the meninges and can extend to the brain parenchyma. It is generally caused by pathogenic microorganisms, including common pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, tuberculosis bacteria, etc. The most common symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, etc. More severe cases can present with convulsions, disturbances of consciousness, or even coma. The condition can be mild or severe, and if not treated promptly, it can be fatal in serious cases.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Is meningitis scary?

Is meningitis a frightening disease? Meningitis can be very frightening if the condition progresses quickly, or if it is not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner. In severe cases, it can be life-threatening. Many patients often suffer from after-effects following recovery, such as decreased intelligence, dementia, aphasia, paralysis, etc., significantly impacting the quality of life. Therefore, meningitis is a quite frightening disease, and patients should actively cooperate with doctors for treatment to save lives and minimize or reduce the occurrence of after-effects.

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Written by Liu Shi Xiang
Neurology
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What are the symptoms of meningitis?

The symptoms of meningitis mainly include headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, epileptic seizures, and mental abnormalities. Severe cases may also present with disturbances in consciousness and signs of meningeal irritation, among others. Therefore, when a patient exhibits the above symptoms, the possibility of meningitis should be considered. The patient needs to promptly visit the neurology department to undergo a cranial CT scan, cranial MRI, electroencephalogram, and lumbar puncture for cerebrospinal fluid analysis to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment should be based on the test results, selecting appropriate anti-infective medications. For example, patients with viral meningitis should be treated with antiviral medications such as acyclovir and ganciclovir; patients with bacterial meningitis should be treated with potent antibacterial drugs, including carbapenems and quinolones; patients with tuberculous meningitis should receive antitubercular drugs, such as isoniazid, rifampin, and ethambutol. In addition, patients may also need symptomatic treatments such as dehydration to reduce intracranial pressure, fever reduction, and control of psychiatric symptoms. (Medication should be used under the guidance of a doctor.)

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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.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Xie Wen
Neurology
1min 8sec home-news-image

Is vomiting frequent in meningitis?

Is vomiting frequent in meningitis? There are generally two situations for frequent vomiting in meningitis. The first situation occurs when pathogens infect the meninges or brain tissue, leading to an inflammatory response in the brain tissue, which then causes brain edema and subsequently leads to increased intracranial pressure. When intracranial pressure increases, it can cause vomiting, and this type of vomiting becomes projectile. Therefore, when vomiting is frequent and projectile, accompanied by severe headaches, fever, or even changes in condition, it is necessary to be vigilant about the increase in intracranial pressure leading to the formation of brain herniation, a situation that must be urgently addressed. The second reason is that after the pathogen enters the blood, it invades the gastrointestinal tract. An infection of the gastrointestinal tract itself can also cause frequent vomiting, accompanied by diarrhea, or even gastrointestinal bleeding, etc.