Meningitis
Absolutely! Here's a clear and detailed explanation of **Meningitis** — perfect for class notes, presentations, or quick revision.
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## 🧠 **Meningitis**
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### ❓ **What is Meningitis?**
**Meningitis** is an **inflammation of the meninges** — the protective membranes covering the **brain and spinal cord**.
It can be **life-threatening** and requires **immediate medical attention**.
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### 🦠 **Types of Meningitis**
1. **Bacterial Meningitis**
- Most **serious and life-threatening**
- Caused by bacteria such as:
- *Streptococcus pneumoniae*
- *Neisseria meningitidis* (meningococcal)
- *Haemophilus influenzae* type b (Hib)
- Needs **urgent antibiotics**
2. **Viral Meningitis**
- More common and usually **less severe**
- Caused by viruses like:
- Enteroviruses
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV)
- Mumps virus
3. **Fungal Meningitis**
- Rare, usually in people with **weakened immune systems**
- Caused by fungi like *Cryptococcus*
4. **Parasitic and Non-Infectious Meningitis**
- Due to parasites, cancer, autoimmune diseases, or medications
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### ⚠️ **Symptoms**
#### In **Adults/Older Children**:
- High fever
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Confusion or altered consciousness
- Seizures
#### In **Babies/Infants**:
- High-pitched crying
- Bulging soft spot (fontanelle)
- Poor feeding
- Irritability
- Stiffness in the body or neck
- Sleepiness or difficulty waking up
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### 🔬 **Diagnosis**
- **Physical examination**
- **Lumbar puncture** (spinal tap) — to test cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)
- **Blood tests**
- **CT or MRI scan** (in some cases)
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### 🛠️ **Treatment**
#### For **Bacterial Meningitis**:
- **Immediate IV antibiotics**
- **Corticosteroids** (to reduce inflammation)
- **Hospitalization**
#### For **Viral Meningitis**:
- Usually self-limiting
- Supportive care (rest, fluids, fever reducers)
- **Antivirals** (only for herpes-related cases)
#### For **Fungal Meningitis**:
- **Antifungal medications**
- Hospital care
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### 🛡️ **Prevention**
- **Vaccination**:
- Meningococcal vaccine
- Pneumococcal vaccine
- Hib vaccine
- **Avoid sharing personal items**
- **Practice good hygiene**
- **Treat ear/sinus infections early**
- **Prevent mosquito bites** (for some viral causes)
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### 📌 **Complications (if untreated)**
- Brain damage
- Hearing loss
- Learning disabilities
- Seizures
- Coma or death
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