The brain is covered with three membranes: hard, soft and vascular. The first two consist of different types of connective tissue, and the third is a network of tiny blood vessels. For its resemblance to the thinnest web, it is also called arachnoid (from the Latin "arachnid" - "spider"). For various reasons, all three membranes can become inflamed, but doctors use the term "meningitis" to refer to inflammation of the pia mater.
Causes of meningitis
In the vast majority of cases, meningitis is caused by some kind of infection (microbial, viral or fungal). In the first place among the causative agents of this disease is the meningococcus microbe (its name speaks for itself). It should be noted that meningococcal infection can also occur as a common cold, it all depends on the state of the body's immunity. Other microorganisms can also cause inflammation of the meninges. Often there are viral meningitis - both secondary (in the form of complications of mumps, measles, rubella), andcaused by tick bites. When bitten, infection with the tick-borne encephalitis virus occurs. Meningitis is of two main types - purulent or serous. The latter is more common and in any case is a precursor to purulent. It is necessary to know the signs of this disease in order to seek medical help as soon as possible, since the treatment of serous meningitis is possible only in a special department.
Manifestations of serous meningitis
Main symptoms: sudden onset of the disease with a sharp rise in temperature against the background of obsessive, repeated vomiting without relief, as well as a severe headache. Over time, consciousness may be disturbed, convulsions begin, and a rash may appear throughout the body for several hours. Usually, a sick person takes a forced position, which is very characteristic: the head is thrown back due to the strong tension of the occipital muscles, the back is arched, the legs are bent and brought to the retracted stomach. It is the excessive tension of the occipital muscles that is a typical symptom of meningitis - due to the so-called rigidity, it is impossible to press the chin to the chest. Treatment of serous meningitis should be started immediately, there are no folk and home remedies here (they are a sure way to death). Immediate hospitalization required!
In a hospital setting, the main method for diagnosing meningitis is a lumbar (lumbar) puncture, as a result of which a certain amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is extracted and examined. Liquor with serousmeningitis under high pressure follows, there is cytosis (an increased content of cells per unit volume), lymphocytosis, a positive sedimentary reaction, a sharp deviation from the normal levels of protein, glucose and chlorides.
Treatment and prevention of serous meningitis
Treatment of serous meningitis is primarily aimed at combating the pathogen. Therefore, antibiotics (intramuscular or intravenous) will almost always be prescribed. The second component of treatment is symptomatic therapy. To reduce pain due to increased intracranial pressure, to eliminate cerebral disorders, diuretics (diuretics) are prescribed. To reduce the symptoms of intoxication, infusion therapy is carried out. At the same time, the scheme and drugs are carefully selected so that the therapeutic effect is, and there is no additional accumulation of fluid in the body.
If serous meningitis occurs, complications must be prevented with the utmost care. The greatest danger is the transition of inflammation to a purulent form.
Treatment of serous meningitis may include various additional drugs that improve blood flow to the brain, normalize the composition and characteristics of the cerebrospinal fluid, and increase immunity.
A he althy lifestyle, hygiene (personal and nutrition), drinking only boiled water, careful treatment of all colds allow you to avoid diseases. Caution should be taken when walking in nature: in order to protect yourself from tick bites,it is necessary to wear clothes that completely cover the arms and legs and have cuffs, avoid bushes, after returning from a walk, carefully examine the skin. Vaccination is also an important aspect. A number of vaccinations (pneumococcal and meningococcal, DPT, etc.) are the prevention of meningitis.
