What Is Cerebrospinal Meningitis?
Cerebrospinal meningitis, commonly referred to as meningitis, is an infection of the membrane (lining) of the brain and spine. According to the Mayo Clinic, "Early treatment can prevent serious complications." You should consult your physician if you suspect you or someone you know has meningitis.
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Symptoms
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Symptoms of meningitis can be confused with flu symptoms. However, the most prominent sign of cerebrospinal meningitis is a stiff neck. Additional signs may include severe headache, seizures, fever and vomiting.
Diagnosis
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Diagnosis of cerebrospinal meningitis is made after a battery of tests. A throat culture, lumbar puncture (spinal tap) and imaging may be used for diagnosis and also to determine whether the cause of the meningitis is viral or bacterial.
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Treatment
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Treatment of bacterial meningitis may require hospitalization and include intravenous antibiotics. Additionally, treatment for convulsions, brain swelling and dehydration may be required. Viral meningitis, the most common form, often requires no treatment. Typically an individual with viral meningitis recovers on her own within a week or two.
Complications
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Untreated bacterial meningitis may pose serious consequences, including permanent brain damage and death.
Immunization
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Certain types of meningitis are preventable with immunization. Vaccines are available for Haemophilus, pneumococcal conjugate, pneumococcal polysaccharide and meningococcal conjugate.
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