Spinal Meningitis Recovery
Meningitis is a viral or bacterial infection which involves the inflammation of the membranes of the spinal cord and the brain, also called the meninges. According to the CDC, there are approximately 3,000 cases of meningitis in the United States each year and about 10 to 12 percent of the cases are fatal. Although some types of meningitis can resolve on their own, in the case of spinal meningitis, prompt treatment is a vital part of recovery. For those who have long-term complications, physical therapy and counseling can help to decrease the problems experienced due to spinal meningitis.
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Causes
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Spinal meningitis can be caused by a viral or bacterial infection, fungi or parasites. When a person experiences trauma involving the skull, it may give bacteria ample opportunity to enter the meninges.
Symptoms
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Some of the primary symptoms of spinal meningitis include fever, chills, severe headaches, nausea or vomiting, a stiff or sore neck, and light sensitivity. Additional symptoms of spinal meningitis might include a change in mental status or consciousness, breathing, agitation, postural changes and difficulty eating.
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Diagnosis
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Depending on the health of the patient, a physician may begin with blood tests to determine levels of glucose and protein, a complete blood count, and blood cultures to determine the level of inflammation. Diagnosis of spinal meningitis often involves a lumbar puncture or needle insertion to drain some of the spinal fluid. The sample taken is then evaluated in a lab to either rule out meningitis or confirm the diagnosis. However, if the physician suspects that there is an abscess or high level of intracranial pressure, it may increase the risk to the patient's health and avoided. Chest x-rays and CT scans can also help diagnose patients with spinal meningitis and determine if there is damage to the brain or spine.
Treatment and Recovery Time
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Antibiotics are given to help fight off the organism that is causing the infection, but it is not capable of curing viral meningitis. In some cases, a physician will give an iv of additional fluids and medications to reduce the swelling in the brain, shock or seizures. This may involve steroids to help reduce the complication of swelling in the meninges. Patients with spinal meningitis are normally hospitalized to monitor their reaction to medication and to lower the possibility of spreading the infection to others.Prompt diagnosis and proper treatment of spinal meningitis is important to reduce complications, such as neurological or spinal damage. Symptoms normally dissipate within two weeks of starting treatment, however, if treatment was delayed, the patient may have a longer recovery time and may need to deal with residual effects, such as hearing loss, brain damage or change in vision. The prognosis and time for recovery is normally dependent on the patient's overall health, age, and the cause of the infection.
Physical Recovery
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Although the majority of those affected by meningitis survive, many deal with the after affects of the infection even after treatment. The complications of spinal meningitis can be temporary or permanent and often involve physical and emotional aspects. Many physicians will recommend medication to help reduce the problems with headaches and seizures, but long term physical therapy may be necessary for some patients to help them recovery abilities which were lost because of the infection. Occupational therapy can help improve speech, improve strength, and deal with problems of balance and coordination, which are important to regain during recovery.
Emotional Recovery
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Patients who are recovering from spinal meningitis have good and bad days, where they may feel like the infections is returning. Taking time off to recuperate is necessary, but it is also important to understand that there may be emotional effects from such a serious infection. Recovery from meningitis might involve clingy behavior, moodiness, difficulty sleeping, wetting the bed, changes in personality, depression, and fear. Finding a counselor for you or a loved one can help you overcome these emotional changes and provide a support system to deal with possible complications. For those who have depression, medication and therapy are often an option as part of the recovery from spinal meningitis.
Emotional Changes
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