Meningitis is a condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by two types of infections: bacterial and viral. Bacterial meningitis is more serious than viral meningitis. Viral meningitis is caused by viruses that spread through the body and can cause severe headaches. Viral meningitis typically goes away on its own, but bacterial meningitis is deadly if left untreated. About one in 10 people with bacterial meningitis die. The infection can also be caused by a fungus that spreads through the bloodstream.
Symptoms of meningitis include back pain, stiff neck, headache, and numbness. Some people may also experience double vision or pins and needles sensations. In rare cases, meningitis can also cause hearing loss and facial paralysis. If these symptoms are present, you should see your doctor immediately.
When bacterial meningitis occurs, the bacteria produce toxins and enter the bloodstream. This causes inflammation of the tissues covering the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis may lead to permanent damage to the brain and spinal cord. In such cases, the patient may experience fever, stiff neck, and confusion. Treatment for bacterial meningitis involves reducing inflammation and providing pain relief.
Treatment for meningitis is not life-threatening, but it can take several days or weeks before symptoms begin to improve. The recovery time varies from person to person, but the majority of patients recover fully after treatment. The best way to reduce your risk of getting meningitis is to get vaccines. You can also get vaccines to prevent certain causes of the disease. You should also practice hand washing to prevent transmission of bacteria.
