What is Meningitis? How It Is Transmitted, Meningitis Symptoms and Treatment

If a general definition is to be made, it is also known as inflammation of the membrane groups surrounding the spinal cord. It is a disease that requires immediate medical attention. Conditions such as headache, fever and vomiting are the most basic symptoms of meningitis. However, these symptoms are also known in various other diseases. For this reason, in the presence of such findings, it would be beneficial to immediately contact a healthcare provider.

Viruses are known as the most common cause of meningitis. At the same time, bacteria, fungi and parasites are also among the causes of meningitis. Although meningitis can be seen in almost every age group, the risk is quite high in children younger than 1 year, especially in newborns. However, the incidence of meningitis is increasing in citizens over the age of 60.

Combined vaccines in childhood provide protection against many bacteria that cause meningitis. However, treatment should be started immediately in order for the parents to consider the symptoms of the disease, to start the treatment without losing any time, and to cause the diseases caused by the disease.

What are the symptoms?

• Fever up to 38 degrees Celsius
• Stiff neck with severe headache
• Stiffness in the neck
• Avoidance of looking at bright light
• Unresponsiveness, dizziness and clouding of consciousness
• Conditions similar to convulsions with cold hands and feet
• Body tremor 
• Rapid breathing
• Joint and muscle pains

It is one of the clearest signs of meningitis.

How is it spread?

It is transmitted by kissing, sneezing, coughing or using common kitchen utensils and using plates, forks and knives. Viruses and bacteria enter from one body to another through the nose, throat and ear and reach the brain, causing various infectious diseases. Meningitis can occur in almost any age group. But research shows that it is closer in these age groups. These age groups, on the other hand, are more common in children under the age of 1, between the ages of 16 and 25, and in people over the age of 60 in the future.

What are the Treatment Applications?

Because bacterial meningitis is a very serious disease, doctors will immediately begin antibiotic treatment in the hospital if meningitis is suspected based on the symptoms of the disease. Antibiotics may change depending on the bacteria detected after the test results. Depending on the age and risk factors of the individual, the duration of antibiotic treatment can be extended up to 21 days. In addition, the fluid lost due to conditions such as fever, vomiting, sweating should be replenished in the form of supplements. In some cases, in order to reduce the edema in the brain, drugs can be understood and cortisone treatment can be given.

When one or more of the above-mentioned symptoms occur, or when the children are observed by the parents, when one or more of these findings occur, early diagnosis and treatment should be initiated immediately by contacting a health institution without wasting any time. Otherwise, if meningitis is not treated, it will cause different diseases in children. Especially early treatment is very important in order to avoid such problems.