Meningitis

Why inflammation occurs

Infection reaches the meninges by airborne droplets, through the blood, or after head injuries. The most dangerous are pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Haemophilus influenzae; viral and fungal forms are less common.

Risk increases with weakened immunity, chronic infection foci, recent surgeries, and contact with a carrier. In children and older adults, the disease often runs a more severe course.

Symptoms requiring immediate help

The classic picture is a severe headache, high fever, and neck muscle stiffness. The person finds it hard to press the chin to the chest, and photophobia and nausea appear.

Call an ambulance if the following signs appear:

• Intense headache not relieved by painkillers.
• Neck stiffness — unable to bend the head forward.
• Temperature above 38°C combined with a rash.
• Confusion, delirium, seizures.
• In infants — bulging fontanelle, continuous crying, refusal to feed.

Delay in the bacterial form is life-threatening, so self-treatment is unacceptable. The diagnosis is confirmed only in a hospital after a lumbar puncture and tests.

How care is built

Meningitis treatment is carried out in a hospital under constant supervision. First, blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests are taken to identify the pathogen and its sensitivity to drugs.

Depending on the results, the following may be prescribed:

• Broad-spectrum antibacterial therapy until the pathogen is identified.
• Antiviral or antifungal drugs for the corresponding nature of the infection.
• Infusion therapy to relieve intoxication.
• Symptomatic agents — antipyretics, anticonvulsants, painkillers.
• Rehabilitation after the disease in case of neurological deficit.

The key mistake is trying to treat suspected meningitis at home. This is dangerous not only for the patient but also for others, since some forms are contagious.

What to expect

With timely treatment, viral forms usually resolve without consequences. Bacterial meningitis requires longer therapy, but early consultation significantly improves the prognosis.

After discharge, neurologist follow-up and a recovery course may be needed. Regular examinations help detect residual effects in time and adjust the program.

At Neuro-Clinic, we help make sense of symptoms and select a recovery program after an infection. Book by phone or via the website form — the administrator will find a convenient time.