Meningitis is a life-threatening disease. It is caused due to inflammation of the meninges, which are protective membranes present over the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis is caused mainly because of bacterial and viral infections. Other factors such as physical injury, illness, and side-effects of certain medication can also cause the disease. Meningitis is diagnosed by conducting tests such as neurological tests, blood tests, CT scan, MRI scan, throat culture, and EEG. Infants, young children and adults over 60 years are at higher risk of contracting this fatal disease.

Types of meningitis
The severity of the disease and the symptoms vary according to the type of meningitis. Hence it is essential to know the different kinds of meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis
This type of meningitis is caused by bacteria and is a fatal form of the disease. Bacterial meningitis, if not treated properly can cause life-threatening complications, such as hearing loss, brain damage, and death. This type of meningitis is caused by bacteria such as Haemophilus influenza, Neisseria meningitides, and Streptococcus pneumonia. These bacteria enter the bloodstream via close contact with infected persons or consuming certain foods. They travel to the brain or spinal cord and cause swelling and inflammation. Bacterial meningitis can be prevented by taking vaccines.

Symptoms

• Headache
• Fever
• Stiff neck
• Nausea
• Rash
• Light sensitivity
• Confusion

Viral meningitis
Viral meningitis is a more common and less severe form of the disease. Viral meningitis is caused by enteroviruses, and viruses which cause chickenpox, mumps, and measles. Viral meningitis generally, does not require any treatment and gets resolved on its own. If the disease is severe, it is treated with antiviral medicines. The viruses responsible for this form of meningitis are spread through fecal contamination, eye, mouth and nasal secretions of the infected patients and through blister fluids. Viral meningitis can be prevented by maintaining good hygiene by washing hands, avoiding contact with people suffering from the disease and getting a vaccination against chickenpox, mumps, and measles.

Symptoms

• Sudden fever
• Stiff neck
• Headache

Parasitic meningitis
A parasite, Naegleria fowleri causes this kind of meningitis. Parasitic meningitis is a fatal disease, which causes brain infection. The infection progresses rapidly in a period of one to twelve days. The parasite can be found in freshwater sources with warm conditions, such as rivers, lakes and hot springs, in poorly treated swimming pools, water heaters, and industrial discharge. This parasite enters the body through the nose and travels to the brain to cause infection. This form of meningitis is not contagious.

Symptoms

• Sudden fever
• Stiff neck
• Headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Hallucination
• Loss of balance
• Lack of attention

Fungal meningitis
This type of meningitis is caused when a fungus enters the bloodstream. People with weak immune systems are susceptible to this form of meningitis. The disease is caused due to inhaling of the fungal spores from contaminated soil and bird droppings. Fungal meningitis can be fatal if it is not treated using high dose anti-fungal medications. This form of meningitis is not contagious.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Stiff neck
• Headache
• Nausea
• Light sensitivity
• Rash
• Confusion

Non-infectious meningitis
This type of meningitis is non-infectious and is caused because of certain chemical reactions due to medications, drug allergies, cancers, injuries, brain surgery, and lupus.

Symptoms

• Fever
• Stiff neck
• Headache
• Nausea
• Light sensitivity
• Rash
• Confusion

Meningitis can be treated if diagnosed at an early stage, so pay close attention to the symptoms and consult a doctor immediately if you see any cause for alarm.