Welcome to Meningitis Advice

Meninges refer to the thin lining that cover or envelop the central nervous system or CNS i.e. the brain and spinal cord. When an inflammation occurs in the meninges, it is referred to as meningitis. The leading causes that contribute to the formation of meningitis are bacteria and virus causing bacterial infection and viral infection respectively. Often other types of illnesses or diseases and specific kinds of medication lead to the outbreak of meningitis.

Types of meningitis

Meningitis is of two types – viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis. Often two other types of meningitis are spoken of. They are spinal meningitis and meningococcal meningitis. Spinal meningitis is the same as the normal regular meningitis because the meningitis, when it occurs, will strike both the brain and the spinal cord together. They are mutually inclusive and cannot be separated.
Meningococcal meningitis is a type of bacterial meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis is very rare, accounting for only 10% of the cases but it is lethal and can turn deadly if immediate medical assistance is not received. It can cause grievous injury to the brain resulting in disabilities if not properly treated right from the beginning.

Viral meningitis or aseptic meningitis is the commonest type of meningitis accounting for 90% of the cases and it is a mild illness that can be completely cured and there is nothing to worry about. It is difficult to diagnose viral meningitis because the symptoms resemble those of flu and other common illnesses.

Who can get meningitis?

Anyone can get meningitis but it is commonly seen in babies, kids, and those young students who have to go to boarding school or college where a number of students have to live together in close quarters.

Even military recruits living together in barracks are at high risk for contracting meningitis. A pregnant mother during labor and birth can pass on meningitis to her infant.

An individual going to a country where meningitis outbreaks are common can get it if he is not immunized. This proves that meningitis is contagious.

Prevention

The best way to prevent meningitis is through regular immunization program or vaccination and practicing good hygienic habits like washing of hands, keeping the toilet clean, not sharing food or utensils with a meningitis patient etc.