The meninges are the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Their main role is to protect and support these sensitive organs. The meninges are composed of three layers: the dura mater, the arachnoid and the pia mater.
- The dura mater is the hardest and thickest outer layer of the meninges. It consists of two layers that separate to form a cavity called the subdural space. The dura mater serves to protect the brain and spinal cord from impact and pressure.
- The arachnoid is the middle layer of the meninges. It is thin and slightly sticky, and consists of many fine webs of tissue that resemble a spider's web. The arachnoid serves to hold the meninges in place and provide additional protection to the brain and spinal cord.
- The pie-mother is the inner layer of the meninges. It is very thin and is in close contact with the brain and spinal cord. The pia-mater helps to nourish these organs and provide their blood supply. It also plays an important role in regulating the temperature and humidity of the brain and spinal cord.
Meningitis is a serious infection that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by different types of bacteria or viruses, and is often spread through coughing, sneezing or close contact with an infected person. The most common bacteria that cause meningitis are pneumococcus and meningococcus. Viruses that can cause meningitis include herpes virus, influenza virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Symptoms of meningitis include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, red or swollen eyes, nausea and vomiting, excessive fatigue and confusion. In children, meningitis may also manifest itself as drowsiness or irritability, loss of appetite, and pale or blue skin.
Definition and Meaning
Meningitis develops when the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord (the meninges) become infected with bacteria or viruses. The most common bacteria that cause meningitis are pneumococcus and meningococcus.
- When a person is exposed to one of these bacteria or viruses, he or she may develop a meningitis infection with symptoms such as high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, red or swollen eyes, nausea and vomiting, excessive fatigue and confusion.
- If meningitis is not treated promptly with antibiotics, it can lead to serious complications, including:
- sepsis (infection of the blood)
- brain damage
- developmental problems in children
- vision problems
- hearing loss
- speech problems
- problems with memory and concentration
- paralysis of limbs
It is important to manage meningitis quickly to avoid these serious complications.
Meningitis can be treated with antibiotics, but can be fatal if not treated promptly. To prevent meningitis, it is recommended to get vaccinated against the main types of bacteria that cause it, wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. It is also important to monitor people who have been in close contact with someone with meningitis and treat them promptly if they develop symptoms.
Synonyms
Meningitis is also known as:
- encephalomeningitis
- meningococcus
- cerebro-meningitis septicemia
- meningeal pneumonia
- meningoencephalitis
- meningeal encephalitis
- meningococcus
- meningococcemia
- meningococcus
Usage
The term meningitis is used when there is an infection of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria or viruses, and is often spread by coughing, sneezing or close contact with an infected person. Symptoms of meningitis include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, red or swollen eyes, nausea and vomiting, excessive fatigue and confusion. If not treated promptly with antibiotics, meningitis can be fatal.
If meningitis is not treated promptly with antibiotics, it can lead to serious complications, including:
- sepsis (infection of the blood)
- brain damage
- developmental problems in children
- vision problems
- hearing loss
- speech problems
- problems with memory and concentration
- paralysis of limbs
It is important to manage meningitis quickly to avoid these serious complications.
Examples
The signs and symptoms of meningitis can be varied. Here are the most common ones:
- A high fever: body temperature can reach up to 40°C
- Severe headaches
- A stiff neck: it is difficult to touch the chin to the chest
- Nausea and vomiting
- Excessive fatigue
- Confusion
- Redness or swelling of the eyes
In children, meningitis can also be characterized by:
- Drowsiness or irritability
- Loss of appetite
- Pale or blue skin
- Seizures
It is important to note that these symptoms can be present in other diseases and are not specific to meningitis. If you or your child has any of these symptoms, it is important to seek prompt medical attention for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Conclusion
Meningitis is a serious infection that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by different types of bacteria or viruses, and is often spread by coughing, sneezing or close contact with an infected person. The most common bacteria that cause meningitis are pneumococcus and meningococcus. Viruses that can cause meningitis include herpes virus, influenza virus and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
Symptoms of meningitis include high fever, severe headache, stiff neck, red or swollen eyes, nausea and vomiting, excessive fatigue and confusion. In children, meningitis can also be manifested by drowsiness or irritability, loss of appetite and pale or blue skin.
Meningitis can be treated with antibiotics, but can be fatal if not treated promptly. To prevent meningitis, it is recommended to get vaccinated against the main types of bacteria that cause it, wash your hands regularly and cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. It is also important to monitor people who have been in close contact with someone who has meningitis and treat them promptly if they develop symptoms.
It is important to remember that meningitis can be serious and can lead to serious complications such as brain damage, developmental problems in children, vision problems, hearing loss, speech problems, memory and concentration problems, paralysis of the limbs, or sepsis (infection of the blood). So if you or your child has any of the symptoms of meningitis, it is important to see a doctor quickly for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Appendices
- Dr. John E. Greenlee. December 2020. "Introduction to Meningitis." https://www.merckmanuals.com/fr-ca/professional/troubles-neurologiques/m%C3%A9ningite/m%C3%A9ningites-subaigu%C3%ABs-et-chroniques [last accessed January 5, 2023]
- Dr. John E. Greenlee. December 2020. "Viral Meningitis." https://www.merckmanuals.com/fr-ca/professional/troubles-neurologiques/m%C3%A9ningite/m%C3%A9ningite-virale?query=m%C3%A9ningite [last accessed January 5, 2023]
- Dr. John E. Greenlee. December 2020. "Recurrent Meningitis." https://www.merckmanuals.com/fr-ca/professional/troubles-neurologiques/m%C3%A9ningite/m%C3%A9ningites-r%C3%A9cidivantes?query=m%C3%A9ningite [last accessed January 5, 2023]
- Dr. John E. Greenlee. December 2020. "Acute Bacterial Meningitis." https://www.merckmanuals.com/fr-ca/professional/troubles-neurologiques/m%C3%A9ningite/m%C3%A9ningites-bact%C3%A9riennes-aigu%C3%ABs?query=m%C3%A9ningite [last accessed January 5, 2023]
- Dr. John E. Greenlee. December 2020. "Non-infectious Meningitis." https://www.merckmanuals.com/fr-ca/professional/troubles-neurologiques/m%C3%A9ningite/m%C3%A9ningite-non-infectieuse [last accessed January 5, 2023].
- Dr. John E. Greenlee. December 2020. "Subacute and Chronic Meningitis." https://www.merckmanuals.com/fr-ca/professional/troubles-neurologiques/m%C3%A9ningite/m%C3%A9ningites-subaigu%C3%ABs-et-chroniques [last accessed January 5, 2023]