PARENTS, HERE'S WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW ABOUT MENINGITIS FIVE STAR LATE LIFT Edition

• Published in: St. Louis post-dispatch
• Main Author: Dr. Stephen J. Swanson
• Format: Newspaper Article
• Language: English
• Published: St. Louis, Mo Pulitzer, Inc 26.01.2004
• ISSN: 1930-9600

Between two layers of membrane covering the brain and spinal cord is the cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid protects and nourishes the brain. Meningitis occurs when a germ enters and infects the cerebrospinal fluid, with subsequent inflammation to the membranes. A: Because bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency, immediate treatment is necessary, usually with high doses of antibiotics given intravenously. In many cases, it is not possible to tell the difference between bacterial and viral meningitis until the cultures of the cerebrospinal fluid have been incubated and observed for two to three days. Until the doctor is certain that the meningitis is viral and not bacterial, antibiotic treatment is continued. If the meningitis is caused by bacteria, treatment is continued for seven to 21 days. KRT Color Graphic/illustration - Meningitis Source: American Medical Association, U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Gwendolyn Scott of the University of Miami School of Medicine and University of Miami/Jackson Memorial Medical Center Meningitis The disease, which attacks key organs, can kill a healthy person in days. WHAT HAPPENS - Bacteria attack dura mater, one of the layers of the meninges membranes covering the brain and spinal cord (Illustration: Diseased dura mater, Meninges layers, Spinal cord, Nerve root, Vertebra (bone), Disc) POTENTIAL CARRIERS - Bacteria are carried in the nasal larynx of about 5 to 10 percent of people; when a carrier coughs, sneezes or shares a drink or cigarette, bacteria can infect others SYMPTOMS * High fever, headache, stiff neck develop in several hours or over two days * Nausea, vomiting, discomfort with bright lights, confusion, sleepiness DEADLY RESULTS * Brain swelling * Blood infection * Respiratory failure * Organ shutdown (Illustration of the posterior view of the human body: Brain, spinal cord, Head, Nasal larynx) Cerebrospinal fluid surrounds brain, spinal cord