Bacterial Meningitis

Bacterial Meningitis is an infection of the brain from bacteria. Most of the bacteria that cause meningitis are normally present in the environment or even in the body but the reason for infection of the brain is not known. It could be a breakdown of the immune system or the result of an injury. People at high risk of bacterial meningitis are alcoholics, people who have chronic nose and ear infections, pneumonia and people who have had a spleen removed. Common symptoms are sore throat, and vomiting after a respiratory ailment. The neck may become stiff and the person may not even be able to lower the chin without extreme pain. This is an extremely serious and dangerous condition because of the speed of development of the disease. This bacterial infection in the brain must have immediate treatment, particularly infants and children up to two years of age because the complications develop so fast it could lead to death in a few hours. The patient must be immediately under a doctor's care.

Bacterial meningitis is treated with intravenous antibiotics and corticosteroids. The doctor monitors the patient to see if other complications develop such as low blood pressure or other conditions that need special attention. People who get immediate treatment usually recover without any problems but if treatment is delayed the person may develop brain damage or die. Vaccination may prevent meningitis and is advisable for all children.

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