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showMeningitis refers to the inflammation of the protective covering of the brain and spinal cord. There can be a variety of causes behind the development of this disease. Doctors usually suggest a treatment based on the cause of this disease. However, the most common one among its type is bacterial meningitis.
You should avoid delay in the treatment of meningitis as it can lead to severe complications if left untreated. However, to safeguard yourself from this disease, you can adopt several preventive measures. Also, for maximum protection, you can go for purchasing a health insurance policy to stay financially prepared for such situations.
Symptoms | Nausea, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, fatigue, appearance of rashes, lack of appetite, seizures, joint aches, high fever, headache |
Complications | Severe after-effects or even death |
Causes | Bacteria, viruses, parasites, amoeba, drugs, medical conditions |
Onset | 3 to 7 days after pathogen invasion |
Diagnosis | Lumbar puncture/spinal tap, Stool sample, Nasal or throat swabBlood tests, CT scans or MRI |
Prevention | Vaccinations, maintaining hygiene, adopting healthy habits |
Medication | Corticosteroids, antibiotics, IV fluids, antivirals, antifungals, pain relievers |
Here is a comprehensive overview of meningitis, its causes, symptoms, types, and treatment. Read on to know more.
Symptoms of meningitis in adults and children are as follows [1]:
Symptoms of meningitis in babies are as follows:
There are several causes that can lead to the development of meningitis in the human body.
The causes of meningitis are as follows [2]:
Based on these pathogens, there are different types of meningitis that can develop in the human body.
There are different types of meningitis based on the pathogen causing it. These types include [2]:
Hence, you should not delay in doctor consultation and treatment once you are sure about its occurrence and type.
Once you are diagnosed with meningitis, it becomes imperative to visit a doctor for proper medication and treatment. Any delay in this can result in severe complications, like hearing and vision loss, seizures, weak limbs and even the development of epilepsy.
However, prior to that, it becomes essential to confirm the development of meningitis by conducting some diagnostic tests as per the doctor’s suggestion.
The different meningitis tests prescribed by doctors for its diagnosis are as follows [3]:
Once the test results are positive, you can consult your doctor to decide the appropriate prognosis for meningitis.
If you consult a doctor at the right time and get the appropriate treatment at an early stage, there lies a high chance of getting fully recovered. During the treatment, you will have to stay at the hospital for some days. However, treatment might continue even after you come back home.
Usually, viral meningitis gets resolved on its own. However, for bacterial meningitis, it is essential to get immediate treatment. For fungal meningitis, too, it might take a few weeks to months to get fully recovered. However, there can be some long-lasting effects even after the treatment of this disease.
The different meningitis medications that doctors usually prescribe for treatment are as follows [3]:
There are several precautionary measures you can undertake to keep from the development and complexity of this disease.
Below are some precautionary measures that you can consider to prevent the development of meningitis [1]:
If you do not undertake these precautions, there are high chances of facing several complications of this disease.
About one in five people continue to experience the effects of meningitis, even after getting cured. These usually include [4]:
So, to avoid these complications, it is vital to get proper treatment at the right time. For this, you should have an estimation of the cost of meningitis treatment.
The cost of meningitis treatment in India usually ranges between Rs.10,000 and Rs.20,000. However, it can vary predominantly due to different factors:
Hence, it is essential that you go for purchasing life insurance that will offer you financial protection when you are suffering from this condition.
It is highly essential to immediately go for treatment as soon as you are diagnosed with meningitis to stay safe from its severity. However, the fees of doctors, diagnosis and medicines can be costly, imposing a sudden financial burden on your family.
So, to keep yourself financially protected, purchase Navi Health Insurance today. Get access to unlimited online consultations and cashless claims at 10,000+ network hospitals with premiums starting at just Rs.234 per month. Get a quote now!
The risk factors associated with meningitis are as follows: Presence of sickle cell anaemia Occurrence of TBI or spinal cord injury Weakened immune system due to HIV or cancer Presence of damaged spleen Excessive consumption of alcohol
There are only a few additional symptoms, along with the usual ones in case of amoebic meningitis. These include: Loss of body balance Hallucinations Lack of focus
Meningitis can cause severe headaches, which is extremely painful. Hence, doctors prescribe painkillers for temporary relief.
Not all types of meningitis are contagious. However, some of the pathogens causing meningitis like viruses and bacteria can easily be transmitted from one person to another. These types of meningitis can be contagious.
There are several vaccines available that you can use for protection against bacterial meningitis. These include meningococcal B and meningococcal ACWY. Individuals from various age groups can take this vaccine for maximum protection.
https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningitis
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/meningitis
https://www.cdc.gov/meningitis/index.html
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/meningitis
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