Carrie Heath - Wofford College
Carrie Heath
Neurobiology
February 16, 2004
Meningitis
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord. This inflammation can be due to either a viral or a bacterial infection. The two vary in their symptoms, duration, and risks to health.
Viral meningitis can be fairly common and is usually caused by viruses that are involved in some other type of disease. So if a person has some sort of viral infection, the virus can also cause meningitis in the patient. This type of meningitis is not very serious and will usually go away on its own in a few weeks. There is not really any kind of treatment due to the fact that viruses don’t respond to antibiotics.
The second type of meningitis is bacterial. This type is much more dangerous due to the fact that it can lead to death, as well as brain damage. It can be treated by antibiotics if the inflammation is caught relatively early. This type of meningitis is spread by contact with someone who has bacterial meningitis and contact with phlegm from their nose or throat. The bacteria that cause this illness are normally present in the body, however if the body’s immune system breaks down for a period of time, the bacteria have the chance to invade and cause the illness. Symptoms include fever, severe headache, aches in the neck and back, and possibly vomiting. At times, seizures can also occur.
As said before, treatment involves antibiotics for bacterial meningitis. However, precaution can be taken by getting a meningitis vaccine. This vaccine is recommended for babies and college students living in residence halls.
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