Meningitis, Spinal Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. People sometimes refer to it as Spinal Meningitis.
Meningitis usually occurs in late summer and early fall and is caused by a viral or bacterial infection. It most commonly affects children under 5 years old and adults under 30 years old. Knowing whether meningitis is caused by a virus or bacterium is important because the severity of illness and the treatment differ. Viral meningitis (Aseptic Meningitis) is generally less severe and gets better without specific treatment, while bacterial meningitis (Purulent Meningitis) can be quite severe and may result in brain damage, hearing loss, or learning disability. It also is important to know which type of bacteria is causing the meningitis because antibiotics can prevent some types from spreading and infecting other people.
Both bacterial and non bacterial spinal meningitis present themselves very similarly. The disease is most commonly preceded by a splitting headache, fever and chills, severe stiff neck, sensitivity to light, vomiting, loss of appetite, and sweating. Bacterial Meningitis may also have extra symptoms such as changes in mental status, Dementia, twitching, perturbation, skin rashes and protrusive soft skull spots in case of babies.
If you suspect you may have Meningitis, see your doctor immediately. A delay can cause severe defects like blindness, deafness and brain damage or may be life threatening.