Meningitis: types, causes, symptoms, treatment

In the article, we consider what constitutes such a dangerous disease as meningitis, types of meningitis and its causes. We will also talk about the first signs of the development of an ailment, diagnostic methods, and features of prevention and treatment.

General information

Before considering the types of meningitis, symptoms, causes, treatment, we find out what the disease as a whole is. An ailment is characterized by the development of inflammatory processes on the membranes of the brain. In this case, non-deep cellular structures suffer. The upper layers of the tissue, which are located under the bone structure of the skull, are exposed to pathological effects. There is also a form of meningitis in which the spinal cord is affected.

The disease can develop in primary and secondary form. In the first case, pathological pathogens attack directly the lining of the brain. In the second ailment makes itself felt against the background of other pathological processes in the body. Gradually, the lesion reaches the brain. The presence of epidemic mumps, tuberculosis, leptospirosis, etc., may become a prerequisite for the development of meningitis in secondary form.

As a rule, critical conditions with meningitis occur quickly. A significant deterioration in well-being occurs over several days. An exception to the rule is only tuberculous meningitis, which develops slowly.

The mechanism of the development of the disease

The human brain is reliably protected from attacks by pathological pathogens by the immune system. Such a barrier protects the most important organ from the penetration of bacterial, viral and fungal infections. While weakening the body, some of them are still able to find a path to the brain. Penetrating under its shell, infections receive temporary isolation from the effects of immune cells, which lose the ability to "devour" pathogenic structures.

Over time, the body still begins to struggle with the problem. At this time, white blood cells and other particles are actively fed through the blood vessels to the membranes of the brain, which provide immune protection. Together with them, there is access to infections that develop in other parts of the body. This leads to damage to copious tissue areas and the formation of cerebral edema. Blood flow to the presented area is significantly deteriorating. Infections are able to calmly parasitize on healthy tissues.

Types of Meningitis

The disease has been studied quite well. There are several of its classifications. So, based on the nature of pathological pathogens that lead to the development of inflammation on the membranes of the brain, these types of meningitis are distinguished:

1. Purulent - the development of an ailment provokes bacterial infections. Such can be meningococci, streptococci, E. coli, staphylococci. This type of meningitis is characterized by an extremely severe course of pathological processes, since the development of infection leads to the formation of purulent masses.
2. Serous - caused by viruses. This may be mumps, polio, enteroviruses. For the disease, as in the previous case, the occurrence of serious inflammation is characteristic, but already without purulent contents.
3. Fungal - the development of inflammatory processes is provoked by microorganisms of the genus Candida and cryptococcus, which parasitize on the tissues of the membranes of the brain.
4. Mixed - a type of meningitis in which tissue affects several types of pathogens simultaneously. In this case, the greatest danger to human life arises, since during treatment it is necessary to eliminate a wide variety of infections.

Separate types of meningitis are also distinguished, depending on the rate of development of inflammation. When pathological processes make themselves felt as soon as possible, such a course of the disease is called rapid. All stages of meningitis pass in this case literally during the day after infection of the meninges. In the acute course of the disease, a fatal outcome without proper treatment occurs within 3-4 days. A chronic form of meningitis is also distinguished. In the latter case, the symptoms are increasing. It is difficult for doctors to determine the real reason for the deterioration of the patient's health.

What other types of meningitis are there? Based on the localization of the pathological process, classify:

• Basal - membranes in the lower part of the brain are exposed to inflammation.
• Convexital - tissue damage is localized in the frontal zone of the brain.
• Spinal - pathology affects the spinal cord.

Symptomatology

It is important to determine the types of meningitis and the symptoms. Among the main signs of the development of the disease can be identified:

1. Headache - constant, pronounced discomfort, sensation of increasing pressure under the cranium, increased unpleasant sensations when tilting the head.
2. Overexertion of muscle tissue in the nape of the neck - a person feels difficulty when trying to move to a lying position. A decrease in pain is observed during rest in case of a deviation of the head back.
3. Problems in the functioning of the digestive system - the development of attacks of nausea and vomiting. Stomach cramps can be repeated many times, even if a person completely refuses food and drink for a long time.
4. Hyperthermia - certain types of meningitis cause an increase in body temperature. The development of the process is accompanied by general malaise, chills, significant sweating.
5. Acute reactions to external stimuli - inflammation of the brain leads to discomfort in bright light, loud sounds, and other influences.
6. Clouding of consciousness: a person has lethargy, inability to answer simple questions, slow reactions to phrases addressed to him.
7. Mental disorder: all types of meningitis cause apathy or aggressive reactions. In some cases, hallucinations may occur.
8. Cramps: with meningitis, involuntary contractions of muscle tissue are often observed. Often this leads to twitching of the limbs. Muscle pains gradually appear.
9. The development of strabismus - a symptom manifests itself if the inflamed tissue of the membranes of the brain begin to put pressure on the optic nerves.

Diagnostics

In order to make a correct diagnosis, doctors resort, first of all, to a patient survey. Experts will find out how long the signs characteristic of the disease appeared, whether there were bites of insects, for example, ticks, which act as carriers of various infections.

Diagnosis also involves an assessment of a neurological condition. Doctors evaluate how adequately the patient responds to speech addressed to him, if there are signs of clouding of consciousness. The sensitivity of a person to sound and light stimuli is determined. Also, meningitis can be identified by the presence of convulsive seizures, the occurrence of the asymmetry of the face. All these signs tell doctors about failures in the brain due to inflammatory processes.

Among laboratory tests that can be used to diagnose meningitis, it should be noted:

1. A general blood test makes it possible to identify signs of inflammation of the meninges, in which there is an increase in the erythrocyte sedimentation rate.
2. Computed tomography makes it possible to assess the state of the brain based on the obtained images.
3. Lumbar puncture - a special needle is inserted into the cartilage of the spine, with which a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is taken. The presence in its composition of an abundance of protein or purulent manifestations is a sign of the development of meningitis.

Therapy

We examined what is meningitis, types, causes, symptoms of the disease. Now we find out what the treatment is. When diagnosing meningitis, resort to complex therapy, which consists of the following steps:

• Hospitalization of a person.
• The use of pharmacological preparations.
• Detoxification of the body.
• Symptomatic treatment.

Hospitalization

Since all types of meningitis in adults and children are deadly, therapy should be performed exclusively in a hospital setting. This is required, first of all, to identify the nature of the causative agent of the disease. Depending on the type of infection, doctors determine the treatment strategy and prescribe appropriate medications. If necessary, in a hospital environment, actions can be taken to resuscitate the patient.

Antibacterial treatment

Purulent type of meningitis in children and adults requires the use of antibacterial pharmacological agents. Among those, it should be noted:

• penicillins;
• ampicillins;
• cephalosporins;
• carbapenems.

In case of development of tuberculous meningitis, the following drugs are prescribed: Ethambutol, Isoniazid, Streptomycin. To enhance the bactericidal effect of these drugs, patients are prescribed "Rifampicin", "Pyrazinamide". In general, the course of taking antibacterial drugs for meningitis should be at least 10-15 days, depending on the characteristics of the course of the disease.

Antiviral therapy

Treatment of serous meningitis involves the use of a regimen similar to that for acute respiratory diseases. Doctors resort to the appointment of painkillers, drugs that can reduce body temperature, slow down the activity of viral pathogens. Often, patients are prescribed a combination of drugs containing glucocorticosteroids and interferon. As additional measures, barbiturates, vitamin complexes, nootropic drugs can be used.

Treatment of fungal meningitis

Antifungal therapy is based on the use of such pharmacological agents:

• "Flucytosine."
• Amphotericin.
• "Fluconazole."

The active substances in the composition of these drugs effectively fight the growth of fungal spores, their distribution, and provide good support to the body in its weakening.

Body detox

Why do people detoxify themselves during the treatment of meningitis? Infectious pathogens release a whole mass of toxins into the tissue. The latter poison healthy cells and weaken the immune system. All this leads to disruption of the functioning of organs and systems. To reduce the negative health effects, Enterosgel and Atoxil are prescribed to combat meningitis. These funds contribute to the elimination of toxic substances from the body. Additionally, vitamin C intake can be prescribed, a plentiful drink in the form of decoctions of raspberries, rose hips.

Symptomatic treatment

With meningitis, the most numerous unpleasant symptoms can occur. In order to eliminate certain negative conditions, the following drugs are prescribed:

• Allergic reactions - Claritin, Suprastin.
• Increase in body temperature - "Paracetamol", "Nurofen".
• Vomiting and nausea - “Tserukal”, “Motilium”.
• Emotional irritability - “Tenoten”, valerian.
• Puffinesses - "Furosemide", "Diacarb".
• Damage to the cerebrospinal fluid - “Cytoflavin”.

Spinal cord meningitis

With this nature of the disease, the membranes of the spinal cord become inflamed . The disease is extremely difficult. Numerous complications are observed here. The types of spinal meningitis are still the same. The causative agents of the disease can be viral, fungal or bacterial pathogens. Basically, the disease develops in people who suffer from a decrease in the protective functions of the body, for example, due to the presence of HIV infection.

They treat spinal meningitis with antibiotics. Without fail, doctors prescribe the use of immunomodulating drugs. Steroids and diuretics are sometimes used. Throughout the entire course of treatment, the patient should be at rest, adhering to a strict bed rest.

Complications

The following manifestations are the consequences of meningitis:

1. Disruption of the respiratory system and the cardiovascular system. As a result of cerebral edema, bradycardia and tachycardia, an increase in blood pressure, shortness of breath, and pneumonia can develop.
2. Toxic shock - a complication is the result of the absorption by the cells of an abundant amount of waste products of infectious pathogens of meningitis. Against the background of the problem, partial loss of vision and hearing, hormonal dysfunction, paresis can occur.
3. Pressure ulcers - treatment of meningitis requires compliance with bed rest. Sometimes patients fall into someone lose their ability to move. All this leads to the gradual formation of pressure sores.

Prevention

We found out what types of meningitis can affect the body. Consider preventive measures that should be resorted to in order to prevent a terrible disease. Among the preventive measures, it is worth noting the following:

• Compliance with generally accepted hygiene rules.
• Making a daily diet based on foods rich in vitamins and minerals.
• Avoid contact with people susceptible to viral, bacterial and fungal infections.
• Refusal to visit crowded places during periods of respiratory disease epidemics.
• Performing regular wet cleaning in the apartment.
• Hardening of the body (in the absence of contraindications).
• Prevention of hypothermia of the body.
• Avoiding factors that can lead to stress.
• Active lifestyle, sports.
• Timely treatment of infectious ailments, until they managed to go into the chronic stage.
• Refusal of drugs, alcohol, smoking.
• Acceptance of pharmacological preparations only after consultation with a qualified doctor.

Finally

As you can see, meningitis is an extremely serious ailment, the cure of which does not pose a danger to health and life only when it is diagnosed in the early stages. In the absence of adequate treatment, the consequences of the disease lead to the development of irreversible pathological processes. Sometimes the elimination of complications of meningitis occurs throughout life. Therefore, at the first signs of the disease, it is urgent to seek medical advice.