Causes of Meningitis

Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
Updated on September 10, 2024
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The main causes of meningitis are bacteria, viruses, fungi, rickettsiae, or other pathogens, which invade the pia mater, spinal cord, and theca mater, causing infection. Clinically, bacterial meningitis is more severe. If it is not treated promptly or if the treatment is ineffective or misdiagnosed, it may lead to death within a few hours or even cause permanent brain damage, resulting in sequelae. Meningitis can affect the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. It may also lead to secondary intracranial infections. It is important to choose antibacterial drugs and medications that nourish brain cells and alleviate cerebral edema for symptomatic treatment promptly.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Is meningitis severe?

Meningitis is an infectious inflammation that occurs in the meninges and the brain and spinal meninges, and some may also involve the brain parenchyma. Meningitis is generally a serious disease, and if not treated promptly, it can develop into cerebral edema and severe cases may lead to brain herniation, respiratory and circulatory failure, endangering life. Some patients may even experience a decline in intelligence, paralysis, and other sequelae after recovery, severely affecting the quality of life. Therefore, it is important to actively treat meningitis once contracted.

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Written by Xie Wen
Neurology
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Is vomiting frequent in meningitis?

Is vomiting frequent in meningitis? There are generally two situations for frequent vomiting in meningitis. The first situation occurs when pathogens infect the meninges or brain tissue, leading to an inflammatory response in the brain tissue, which then causes brain edema and subsequently leads to increased intracranial pressure. When intracranial pressure increases, it can cause vomiting, and this type of vomiting becomes projectile. Therefore, when vomiting is frequent and projectile, accompanied by severe headaches, fever, or even changes in condition, it is necessary to be vigilant about the increase in intracranial pressure leading to the formation of brain herniation, a situation that must be urgently addressed. The second reason is that after the pathogen enters the blood, it invades the gastrointestinal tract. An infection of the gastrointestinal tract itself can also cause frequent vomiting, accompanied by diarrhea, or even gastrointestinal bleeding, etc.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How to test for meningitis?

The main methods for meningitis examination are lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid testing. Cerebrospinal fluid examination may show increased pressure, turbid appearance, and purulent changes, containing a large number of white blood cells and neutrophils. Routine blood tests may also show a white blood cell count significantly higher than normal, predominantly composed of immature neutrophils. Additionally, it is possible to check electrolytes and use auxiliary diagnostic tools such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI to confirm the diagnosis, facilitating early detection and treatment.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Is meningitis serious?

Meningitis is a common infectious disease of the central nervous system. Patients with meningitis often experience symptoms such as fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, and neck stiffness. As the disease progresses, they may also experience seizures, motor disorders, disturbed consciousness, coma, and other conditions, with severe cases posing a risk to life. Many patients can still have sequelae after recovery, such as speech impairments, hemiplegia, and decreased intelligence. Therefore, meningitis is a very serious disease, and patients should actively cooperate with doctors for treatment after becoming ill.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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sequelae of meningitis

Firstly, it may cause meningitis adhesions leading to hydrocephalus. Once hydrocephalus occurs, it may leave cognitive impairments as sequela, such as slow response, memory decline, and reduced executive functions. Secondly, tuberculous meningitis might also damage cranial nerves, resulting in symptoms such as diplopia, difficulty swallowing with choking on water, and dysarthria. If it affects the facial nerve, peripheral facial paralysis and other sequelae might occur. Thirdly, it could also lead to arteritis. The occurrence of arteritis can cause arterial occlusion, leading to the formation of cerebral infarction.