This post is also available in Dutch.
Understanding Meningitis
Meningitis is a serious condition involving inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Its early symptoms, such as fever, headache, nausea, and fatigue, often resemble the flu, making timely diagnosis critical. Meningitis can be caused by bacterial, viral, or fungal infections, each with varying severity and treatment approaches.
Bacterial meningitis is the most severe, requiring immediate medical attention due to its potential to cause life-threatening complications such as sepsis and brain damage. Viral meningitis, while more common, is usually less severe but some potentiate life-changing after-effects. Fungal meningitis, though rare, typically affects individuals with weakened immune systems and requires prolonged antifungal therapy.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
Since meningitis can initially present with flu-like symptoms, it is important to remain vigilant, especially in the following situations:
- Persistent or severe headaches that don’t improve with typical remedies.
- Neck stiffness, making it difficult to bend the neck forward.
- Sensitivity to light, causing discomfort or pain.
- Mental changes, such as confusion, drowsiness, or irritability.
- Seizures, indicating severe neurological distress.
Meningitis can directly damage brain tissue, resulting in serious neurological complications, including hydrocephalus (excess brain fluid), brain swelling, cognitive impairment, consciousness disorders, and even a vegetative state without timely treatment.
Prevention and Prevalence
In which condition we may be at risk of such dangerous brain-affecting diseases? Let’s explore a few clinical cases:
An 8-year-old boy developed bacterial meningitis after picking his nose, as unclean hands introduced bacteria to the nasal mucosa, allowing it to enter the brain through damaged blood vessels. A retired man contracted cryptococcal meningitis after inhaling fungal particles from pigeon droppings, a risk factor for those with weakened immune systems or frequent pigeon exposure. In a tropical region, a child developed eosinophilic meningitis after playing with snails carrying parasites, which, when ingested, can cause severe neurological infections.
As personal hygiene is important, self-care and awareness of the surroundings are crucial to disease prevention in general. Good news is that meningitis is not “popular” compared to flu. However, it is still a serious illness worldwide. The prevalence depends on factors like geography, age group, and vaccination rates. Vaccines have significantly reduced cases of certain types of bacterial meningitis. The RIVM reports that nearly 95% of children in the Netherlands are vaccinated against meningococcal disease.
Resource:
- WHO Facts Sheet: Meningitis
- Menigitis now
- Aksamit Jr, A. J., & Berkowitz, A. L. (2021). Meningitis. CONTINUUM: Lifelong Learning in Neurology, 27(4), 836-854.
- Healthcare 160 – Reviewed by Zhiqi Mao, Chief Physician of the Department of Neurosurgery at the First Medical Center of Beijing 301 Hospital (PLA General Hospital), Postdoctoral Fellow in Medicine
Author: Xuanwei
Buddy: Siddharth
Editing: Vivek
Translation: Lucas
Pictures: CDC, Stefamerpik
