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Index of Diseases and Conditions: A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

Meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. There are several types of meningitis. The most common is viral meningitis, which you get when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be deadly. It usually starts with bacteria that cause a cold-like infection. It can block blood vessels in the brain and lead to stroke and brain damage. It can also harm other organs.

Anyone can get meningitis, but it is more common in people whose bodies have trouble fighting infections. Meningitis can progress rapidly. You should seek medical care quickly if you have

Early treatment can help prevent serious problems, including death. Vaccines can prevent some of the bacterial infections that cause meningitis. Parents of adolescents and students living in college dorms should talk to a doctor about the vaccination.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

Meningitis on Wikipedia

'''Meningitis''' is inflammation of the membranes (meninges) covering the brain and the spinal cord. Although the most common causes are infection (either bacteriuml or virus (biology)), chemical agents and even tumor cells may cause meningitis. Encephalitis and brain abscess can complicate infective meningitis.

Causative organisms

Viruses are the most common cause of meningitis. Major bacteria that cause meningitis are ''Neisseria'' ''meningitidis'' (meningococcus), ''Streptococcus pneumoniae'' (pneumococcus), and ''Haemophilus influenzae''. Less common bacterial causes include ''Listeria'' ''monocytogenes'', ''Staphylococcus'' and ''Escherichia coli''. In developing countries, ''Mycobacterium tuberculosis'' is a common cause of bacterial meningitis. In immunocompromised patients, fungal meningitis may occur, typically caused by ''Cryptococcus'' ''neoformans''. Non-infectious causes include: - * Tumors ** Leukemia ** Lymphoma ** Brain tumors ** Brain metastasis * Sarcoidosis * Drugs ** Intrathecal drugs *** Methotrexate * Lead poisoning

Incidence

20,000 to 25,000 cases of bacterial meningitis are seen in the United States every year. Mostly adults are infected, where it can be community acquired or nosocomial. Vaccination against ''Haemophilus influenzae'' has reduced the incidence in children. Meningitis may occur in outbreaks in communities who have close contact with each other, such as in dorms or military establishments. In the large majority of such outbreaks, ''neisseria meningitidis'' is the etiology agent. In the 19th Century meningitis was a scourge of the Imperial Household of Japan, playing the largest ...   [ Read More ]


External Resources

Central Nervous System Diseases - An online tutorial from the Virtual Hospital collection, on infectious diseases of the CNS. Includes diseases which involve primarily the meninges and those which are confined primarily to the parenchyma.

Encephalitis and Meningitis - Information page compiled by NINDS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.

Meningitis Research Foundation - Includes information on symptoms, diagnosis, after effects, scientific research and on support for those who have experienced the disease.

Meningitis Foundation of America - Information about the organization as well as the disease. Includes FAQs, symptoms, treatment, prevention, recovery and support. Also has a mailing list, newsletter and a survey.

The Meningitis Research Foundation of Canada - Information about the organization and its mission and events. Includes data about the disease, news and the different types.

Meningococcal Disease - From McKinley Health Center an article about meningitis, its symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and a discussion about vaccines.

eMedicine: Meningitis - Dr. Marjorie Lazoff offers a detailed clinical report on its causes, symptoms, and treatment. Includes information on bacterial meningitis diagnostic and treatment procedures.

DrGreene.com - A Question and Answer discussion about bacterial meningitis explains the causes, treatment, and outcomes, which include loss of hearing, brain damage and even death.

Medinfo - Meningitis - Information on the symptoms and signs, what to do and where to go for further information, from Medinfo.co.uk

Meningitis Trust - Information about meningitis and meningococcal disease, what research is taking place and what support is offered to sufferers by this global charity.



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