Concept and Etiology
Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges, usually caused from an infection.
The meninges are important to the human body because it covers and protects the
brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis deviates from the definition of health due to bacteria entering the
bloodstream causing headaches, speech problems, vision problems, possible
blindness, epilepsy, seizures, memory loss and deafness. Severe Meningitis can
lead to limb amputation due to tissue damage.
Classifications
Acute Bacterial Meningitis- Bacteria that’s spread from one person to another. Can
be life threatening
Viral Meningitis- Bacterial that’s spread virally. Most common
oTypes of Meningitis
Bacterial Meningitis
Viral Meningitis
Parasitic Meningitis
Fungal Meningitis
Non-Infectious Meningitis
Amoebic Meningitis
Clinical Manifestations (Symptoms and Signs): What are the symptoms and
signs of the disease or disorder? Be sure you understand the difference
between symptoms (subjective) and signs (objective)
Clinical Manifestations
Signs
oFever
oConfusion
oVomiting
oStiff Neck
oBulging Fontanelle (occurs when fluid builds up in the brain)
oDecreased consciousness
oRash
Symptoms
oChills
oNausea
oPhotophobia (Fear and sensitivity to light)
oHeadaches
oAgitation
Diagnostic Tests
Throat Culture: test that finds germs, bacteria’s and fungus that causes infections
Lumbar puncture with CSF analysis: testing of the Cerebrospinal Fluid
Polymerase Chain Reaction Test: testing of the peripheral blood samples
Head CT: X-Ray of the brain
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References
https://www.meningitis.org/meningitis/after-effects
https://www.meningitisnow.org/meningitis-explained/after-meningitis/after-effects-of-
septicaemia/
https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.html
