Truth about Meningitis and how bad it is.

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Just last weekend, my little brother just confined or admitted in the hospital because of high fever. And only to find out when the doctor said that they're findings to my brother's condition is Meningitis. If it's a Bacterial or Viral Meningitis, we still don't know yet because my brother is still under observation until now and under medication. It's so sad seeing my brother suffering from this kind of illness. He even can't think normally and sometimes he don't recognize some people. And just now, we know that Meningitis is really a serious kind of illness. Here's why. About Meningitis Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Most cases are caused by bacteria or viruses, but some can be due to certain medications or illnesses. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but is usually serious and can be life-threatening if not treated right away. Viral meningitis (also called aseptic meningitis) is relatively common and far less serious. It often remains undiagnosed because its symptoms can be similar to those of the common flu. Kids of any age can get meningitis, but because it can be easily spread among people living in close quarters, teens, college students, and boarding-school students are at higher risk for infection. If dealt with promptly, meningitis can be treated successfully. So it's important to get routine vaccinations, know the signs of meningitis, and if you suspect that your child has the illness, seek medical care right away. Causes of Meningitis Many of the bacteria and viruses that cause meningitis are fairly common and associated with other routine illnesses. Bacteria and viruses that infect the skin, urinary system, gastrointestinal or respiratory tract can spread by the bloodstream to the meninges through cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that circulates in and around the spinal cord. In some cases of bacterial meningitis, the bacteria spread to the meninges from a severe head trauma or a severe local infection, such as a serious ear infection (otitis media) or nasal sinus infection (sinusitis). Symptoms of Meningitis Meningitis symptoms vary, depending both on the age of the patient and the cause of the infection. Because the flu-like symptoms can be similar in both types of meningitis, particularly in the early stages, and bacterial meningitis can be very serious, it's important to quickly diagnose an infection. The first symptoms of bacterial or viral meningitis can come on quickly or surface several days after a child has had a cold and runny nose, diarrhea and vomiting, or other signs of an infection. Common symptoms include: fever, lethargy (decreased consciousness), irritability, headache, photophobia (eye sensitivity to light), stiff neck and seizures.