Tag cerebrospinal meningitis

Cerebrospinal Meningitis (CSM)

What is Cerebrospinal Meningitis?

Cerebrospinal meningitis (CSM) is a serious and potentially life-threatening infection that inflames the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is caused by a viral or bacterial infection and can lead to severe symptoms, including fever, headache, stiff neck, and altered mental status.

Causes and Risk Factors:

• Viral meningitis: caused by viruses such as enteroviruses, herpes simplex virus, and West Nile virus
• Bacterial meningitis: caused by bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Neisseria meningitidis
• Age: children under 5 years and adults over 55 years are at higher risk
• Weakened immune system: people with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressive medications, are at higher risk
• Travel: people who travel to areas where CSM is common, such as Africa and Asia, are at higher risk

Symptoms:

• Fever
• Headache
• Stiff neck
• Confusion or altered mental status
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sensitivity to light
• Seizures or convulsions

Complications:

• Brain damage or swelling
• Hearing loss or deafness
• Vision loss or blindness
• Seizures or convulsions
• Death

Diagnosis:

• Physical examination
• Laboratory tests: blood cultures, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests
• Imaging studies: computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans

Treatment:

• Antibiotics: for bacterial meningitis
• Antiviral medications: for viral meningitis
• Supportive care: rest, hydration, and pain management
• Hospitalization: for severe cases or those requiring close monitoring

Prevention:

• Vaccination: against Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, and Neisseria meningitidis
• Good hygiene: frequent handwashing, avoiding close contact with people who are sick
• Avoiding sharing food, drinks, or personal items
• Avoiding travel to areas where CSM is common

Prognosis:

• With prompt treatment, most people with CSM recover fully
• However, some people may experience long-term complications or death

Interesting Facts:

• CSM is a leading cause of death worldwide, especially in developing countries
• The mortality rate for bacterial meningitis is around 10-20%
• The most common cause of CSM is viral meningitis, accounting for around 70-80% of cases

References:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Meningitis.
• World Health Organization (WHO). (2022). Meningitis.
• Mayo Clinic. (2022). Meningitis.