because my gpa's doc. thinks he has it, and my mom has been showing symptoms to, my gma says for me NOT to tell my mom that my gpa might have it because my mom has anxiety and might flip out! BUT I'm worried that we should tell her asap becuz I keep telling her to the go to the doctor and she says she feels too bad to even leave the house!! So she won't go!! Should I tell her??? Even if my grandma gets mad at me? or will it be okay to just wait for the results of my gpa's test??? How serious is this??
2007-02-26 01:56:28 · 3 answers · asked by cuteness 4 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Meningitis can be very serious and life threatening. In addition to the information the other respondents have provided let me add a couple of points.
There are 2 types of this infectious disease (as you may already know); viral and bacterial. My ex-wife had viral spinal meningitis when she was 30. I took care of her for 10 days before she pulled out of it and I did not get infected so no it is not ALWAYS contagious. Viral has is indicated by a sudden on set of the disease. bacterial can be either sudden on set or over several days.
The symptoms of both types include fever, severe headache, very stiff neck (can't touch chin to neck), vomiting, body wide muscle aches and weakness. My ex-wife's headaches and body pain was so severe that her doctor prescribed Percocet to control the pain...and my ex didn't even like taking aspirin.
I suggest you really consider telling your mom if the symptoms I mention exist. The fact that she feels so bad that she won't even leave the house is a pretty telling indication. You can wait for your gpa's test results but this is a very serious disease....I don't want to alarm you but with bacterial meningitis....people have died.
Good luck and I hope everyone get well quickly.
2007-02-26 04:13:08 · answer #1 · answered by iraq51 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Meningitis is an infection of the tissues (meninges) and sometimes the fluid (cerebral spinal fluid, or CSF) that surround the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis results in swelling of the brain tissue and in some cases the spinal tissue (spinal meningitis). When brain tissue swells, less blood and oxygen reach brain cells. If not treated, this can cause brain damage in some cases.
The infection occurs most often in infants, young adults between the ages of 15 and 24, older adults, and people who have a long-standing health condition, such as a weakened immune system.
Meningitis can range from mild to life-threatening. The severity usually depends on the organism causing the infection and a person's age and overall health
2007-02-26 02:21:49 · answer #2 · answered by Dr Carlos 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (the covering of brain and spinal cord). Its a dangerous condition
There are various types. Some are contagious, while some are not. Consult a physician/neurologist at the earliest to avoid serious complications.
More info available at
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meningitis
http://www.meningitis.org/
http://www.nmaus.org/
http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/encephalitis_meningitis/detail_encephalitis_meningitis.htm
2007-02-26 02:23:57 · answer #3 · answered by rookie 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋