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Stiff Neck & Meningitis
By peace | June 10, 2006
Stiff necks can be annoying, but they might also be a sign of a serious infection, tumor or other problem that does not originate in the neck.
Meningitis is an infection in the membrane and fluid of the brain that could (if it is the bacterial kind) require medical attention as soon as possible.
So if you are experiencing a stiff neck, it is a good idea to try to rule out meningitis as the cause. If, after reading this you cannot, please see a doctor as soon as possible.
Meningitis, also known as spinal meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and of the cerebrospinal fluid.
Meningitis is caused by either:
1. bacteria, resulting in bacteria meningitis.
Bacterial meningitis is a form of meningitis caused by bacteria that normally lives in the mouth and throat. When the immune system is unable to supress this bacteria, it travels to the cerebrospinal spinal fluid in the brain. From there it affects the membranes surrounding the brain.
Unlike viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis can be lethal or can leave very scarring after-effects (such as hearing loss).
There are 3 different types of bacteria that can result in meningitis. It can be extremely useful to know which type has infected, because then the appropriate antibiotic can be administered. Beginning treatment early and using the correct antibiotic decreases the possibility of death from bacterial meningitis to around 15%.
There are vaccines for meningitis.
2. a virus, resulting in viral meningitis
Viral meningitis is an infection to the membranes and fluids of the brain.
Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis, causing between 25,000 and 50,000 hospital visits per year, according to the Center for Disease Control. Generally bouts of viral meningitis last between a week and 10 days, and tend to resolve on their own. Doctors recommend treating viral meningitis just as you would a flu, i.e.:
- bed rest
- drink lots of fluids
- take medicine for fever and headache
About 90% of viral meningitis cases are caused by the enterovirus. The enterovirus is especially active in the summer and early fall. Yes, viral meningitis (and bacterial meningitis) is (are) contagious.
Viral meningitis is also caused by the mumps and the herpes virus.
Of the two types of spinal meningitis, viral meningitis is the easier and less damaging.
The signs and symptoms of meningitis include:
- high fever
- headache
- stiff neck
- nausea
- vomiting
- confusion
- sleepiness
- discomfort when looking into bright lights
In children under the age of 2, these symptoms might not be present, or they may be difficult to determine. Instead, the child might be inactive, irritable, be vomiting or will not feed properly.
Topics: All Posts, Children, Diseases, Man's health, Woman's Health |
