The doctors think my wife might have Meningitis. Whats this?

Question

The doctor are doing a Spinal Tap on my wife today to test for Menigitis.

Any info about Meningitis is appreciated

Answer 1

an infection that causes inflammation to the covering of the brain
types-
non bacterial
bacterial
the most common form is viral that usually resolve without treatment
bacterial is very serious and can result in death or brain damage without treatment
it is also caused by fungi-chemical irritation-drug allergies and tumors
west nile virus can cause viral meningitis
antibiotics are used to treat bacterial forms
but are not effective for viral forms
viral form is not serious and usually resolves in 2 weeks without complications
the most important thing is to find out which type it is and the cause to treat it properly
tests include spinal tap
gram stain and culture of the cerebral-spinal fluid
chest xray to look for other sites of infection and CT scan of head to look for abscess
good luck
my prayers are with you
it is most likely viral so all will be well as it usually occurs in late summer or early fall

Answer 2

What is meningitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the coverings around the brain and spinal cord.
The infection occurs most often in children, teens, and young adults. Also at risk are older adults and people who have long-term health problems, such as a weakened immune system.

There are two main kinds of meningitis:

* Viral meningitis is fairly common. It usually does not cause serious illness. In severe cases, it can cause prolonged fever and seizures.
* Bacterial meningitis is not as common but is very serious. It needs to be treated right away to prevent brain damage and death.

The two kinds of meningitis share the same symptoms. It’s very important to see a doctor if you have symptoms, so that he or she can find out which type you have.
What causes meningitis?

Viral meningitis is caused by viruses. Bacterial meningitis is caused by bacteria.

Meningitis can also be caused by other organisms and some medicines, but this is rare.

Meningitis is contagious. The germs that cause it can be passed from one person to another through coughing and sneezing and through close contact.
What are the symptoms?

The most common symptoms among teens and young adults are:

* A stiff and painful neck, especially when you try to touch your chin to your chest.
* Fever.
* Headache.
* Vomiting.
* Trouble staying awake.
* Seizures.

Children, older adults, and people with other medical problems may have different symptoms:

* Babies may be cranky and refuse to eat. They may have a rash. They may cry when held.
* Young children may act like they have the flu. They may cough or have trouble breathing.
* Older adults and people with other medical problems may have only a slight headache and fever.

It is very important to see a doctor right away if you or your child has these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell whether they are caused by viral or bacterial meningitis. And bacterial meningitis can be deadly if not treated right away.
How is meningitis diagnosed?

Your doctor will ask questions about your health, do an exam, and use one or more tests.

Lumbar puncture is the most important lab test for meningitis. It is also called a spinal tap. A sample of fluid is removed from the spine and tested to see if it contains organisms that cause the illness.

Your doctor may also order other tests, such as blood tests, a CT scan, or an MRI.
How is it treated?

Treatment depends on the cause. See your doctor right away if you or your child has symptoms, because bacterial meningitis can be deadly if not treated right away.

Bacterial meningitis is treated in a hospital. You or your child will get antibiotics. And you will be watched carefully to prevent serious problems such as hearing loss, seizures, or brain damage.

But viral meningitis is more common, and most people with this form of the illness get better in about 2 weeks. With mild cases, you may only need home treatment. Home treatment includes drinking lots of fluids and taking medicine for fever and pain.
Can meningitis be prevented?

The best way to protect your child from meningitis is to make sure he or she gets all the standard immunizations for children. These include shots for measles, chickenpox, Hib disease, and pneumococcal infection.

Talk to your doctor about whether you or your child also needs the meningococcal vaccine, which is a shot to prevent bacterial meningitis. It is recommended for:

* Children ages 11 and 12.
* Teens entering high school.
* College freshman living in dormitories.
* People who plan to travel to countries known to have meningitis outbreaks.
* People without a spleen.
* People with HIV.

Answer 3

Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the central nervous system, known collectively as the meninges. It may develop due to a variety of causes, including infective agents, physical injury, cancer, or certain drugs. Meningitis is a serious condition owing to the proximity of the location to the brain and spinal cord. The potential for serious damage to motor control, thought processes, or even death, warrants prompt medical attention.

Answer 4

It's a disease that can be caused by physical injury, cancer and other things, it's an inflammation of membranes covering the nerve system, it's usually found on the spinal cord and brain. It can damage thought process and movement control. If it's caught early it usually can be treated but if it's caught in the late stages it can cause death (this doesn't happen often). Hope this helped.

Answer 5

meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges. it is due to the infection by microorganisms. could be viral could be bacterial, etc. sign and symptoms includes flu-like illness, headache, stiff neck, fever, etc. meninges is the membrane surrounding and covering the brain and spinal cord.

Answer 6

Its a bacterial (I believe) infection that can cause a person's brain to swell. The swelling can cause severe headaches and death if its not treated. Try WedMD for more info.

Answer 7

if memory serves, it is an infection in the meningies. the lining around your brain. it can be deadly and/or disabling. you're better off looking this up at an appropriate web site though. better info there. this isn't something to play with at all.
i hope all goes well with your wife. keep us posted.
d.