The Various Signs And Symptoms Of Meningitis

By Tara Daniels


Meningitis is a potentially fatal disorder, no matter how old the patient is who is suffering from the illness. It is a condition during which the membrane surrounding the spinal cord and brain and cerebrospinal fluid become highly inflamed. Emergency assistance must be pursued at once by those suffering from this disease or complications such as death or life-threatening situations may occur. There are many signs and symptoms of meningitis, and certain ones are very similar to those of other diseases or disorders.

The survival rate for those afflicted with the aforementioned illness is affected by various factors. For instance, infants suffering from the disease have a higher mortality rate than adults. Other things that increase the mortality rate of both grown-ups and children include the patient's age, the severity of inflammation, and how low the person's white blood cell count dips when he or she is ill.

The disorder is usually caused by a specific viral or bacterial strain. In rarer instances, fungal or parasitic infections cause the disorder. In addition, there is also a form of the disease called aseptic, noninfectious meningitis. With the latter, the inflammation and other symptoms associated with the condition are present; however, but doctors cannot isolate a specific infection.

There is a variety of aspects that affect the severity of one's symptoms. These include the person's overall state of health, his or her age, and whether or not any underlying infections are present in the person's system besides the meningitis itself. Typically, the first symptom is a severe headache, particularly in adults. In numerous cases, a misdiagnosis of migraines or cluster headaches is made.

In the majority of instances, individuals afflicted with this condition experience a high fever and a stiff neck. In addition, many patients find bright light irritating, especially those who are 21 years of age or older. Noise intolerance may be experienced as well, and cognitive changes or mental sluggishness may also happen as the illness progresses.

Symptoms of the disorder in youngsters are not always as obvious. These include leg pain, cold intolerance, excessive drowsiness, and excitability. Babies suffering from the disorder may have a bulging fontanelle, which is the term used to describe the soft area at the back of the infant's head. Youngsters may also suffer from petechiae, which is a rash that resembles chickenpox. It typically appears on the torso, but may also affect the child's mucous membranes, or appear on his or her hands and feet.

The aforementioned rash may also be present in adults suffering from meningitis; however, it is much more common in youngsters. Muscle rigidity is also experienced by certain patients, and this can afflict both youngsters and adults. In its advanced stage, symptoms of the disease include abnormal muscle flexing or tightening.

The disorder can result in long-term disabilities such as cognitive impairment, hearing loss, decreased intelligence, behavioral problems or epilepsy. Such complications occur more often in youngsters than adults. However, individuals of all ages can experience disabilities after fighting such a disease. This is why upon discovering signs and symptoms of meningitis, one should seek medical treatment at once.




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