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What Is Bacterial Meningitis: Everything You Must Know

The human brain is one of the most complex and yet a magnificent part of the body, powering the entire structure, and controlling everything from top to bottom. And just like any other body part, the brain is also known to fall prey to infections. According to the top neurology doctor in Jodhpur, these infections can severely reduce the mental and physical capacity of a person, and even cause death in extreme cases. On top of the list of these infections is the case of Meningitis. It is an inflammatory condition caused by the infection of the Meninges, which are the membranes or layers that protect the brain and the spinal cord.

Surrounded by three types of fluid membrane layers, the brain and the spinal cord of a person can develop the condition of Meningitis when the layers are attacked by a fungal or bacterial infection. While there are various types of infections, the most common and usually seen is the Bacterial Meningitis. Let’s look further into this disease:



What are the Symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis

Typically, the symptoms of bacterial Meningitis begin to show suddenly and develop quickly, requiring urgent consultation as time passes by. These symptoms include:

● Mental imbalance

● Nausea, vomiting, and light sensitivity

● Headache and irritable nature

● Fever, chills, and stiffness in the neck

● Bruise like spots on the skin

● Lazy and lethargic

● Sleepiness

What is the Cause of Meningitis?

Even though Meningitis affects the brain and the spinal cord, the infection does not actually start directly from there. All kinds of Meningitis spread through the body in the same manner. According to the specialists at the best top private hospital in Jodhpur, when a foreign micro-organism or pathogens like bacteria, virus, or fungus, etc. enters the body, they ride the bloodstream to finally reach the brain and the spinal cord. There they begin infecting the meninges and transform into a major, advanced infection. The batteries start to damage the capillaries, causing the formation of purple and dark rashes; another symptom of this disease.

How is Bacterial Meningitis Treated?

Treatment of infection with Meningitis depends upon its cause. If the symptoms of bacterial Meningitis begin to get severe and persistent, the patient must be hospitalized immediately. Correct and timely treatment of the condition can go a long way in preventing complications, brain damage, and even brain death. Usually, the procedure for bacterial Meningitis involves an IV administration of antibiotics specific to the bacteria that caused it.

Is Meningitis Contagious?

While a variety of Meningitis is not contagious, the viral and bacterial kind of Meningitis can be communicated from one host to another in various ways. Bacterial Meningitis spreads either through direct contact with the infected person or direct contact with the body fluids of an infected person.

Can Vaccination Help in Meningitis?

Though rare in comparison to its viral counterpart, bacterial Meningitis is far more harmful and fatal in nature, especially if not treated quickly and correctly. That is why the two primary meningitis vaccinations are meant for inoculation from a variety of meningitis strains.

Who Should Get Vaccinated For Bacterial Meningitis?

There are certain groups of people who are at higher risks of contracting Bacterial Meningitis, especially the most common kind of it, meningococcal Meningitis. Here is who should get vaccinated for the infection strain.

● College freshers’ living in crowded hostels or dorms

● Adolescents who are 11 or 12 years in age

● Someone traveling to a country where occurrences of Meningitis are common

● Children of age 2 or more with no spleen or a compromised immune system.



Meningitis is a deadly condition to develop, especially if the cause is a bacterial infection that grows rapidly and suddenly. And this where the main motto of medicine comes into play; "Prevention is better than cure."

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