Lifestyles / Health
Meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the central nervous system, known collectively as the meninges. It is a potentially serious condition owing to the proximity of the inflammation to the brain and spinal cord.

The symptoms.

Symptoms include, a stiff neck, fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, sensitivity to bright lights, inability to tolerate loud noises, refusal to eat and a purple rash that doesn’t disappear when a glass is rolled over it.  It is important to get straight to a hospital in this instance as this could be the signs of blood poisoning.

Diagnosis.

Meningitis is a medical emergency.  Many sufferers will make a recovery but there are severe effects of this illness including, brain damage, deafness, blindness, paralysis, amputation of limbs and death.

Treatment.

Investigations include blood tests, x-ray examinations of the chest and analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid.  Various treatments at the hospital will be given in order to purify the blood, but there is vaccinations against meningitis and this would be worth looking into.

All suspected cases, however mild, need emergency medical attention.  If you have any concerns regarding this, please do not hesitate to have it checked out by the hospital, it’s better to be on the safe side.

If you or someone you know has an experience with this illness and would like to share your story, please email us at writers@urspecial.com or if you need emotional help with coping call 0700 2222 700 and our trained professionals are ready to talk.