Meningitis Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain. There are three meninges: * Dura mater - the outside membrane that adheres to the inside of the skull. * Arachnoid - the middle membrane. * Pia mater - the innermost membrane, which adheres to the brain. Types of meningitis: Viral, caused by a virus Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial, although rarely life-threatening. Viral meningitis can be caused by different viruses, and is spread between people by coughing or sneezing, or through poor hygiene. Other germs can be found in sewage polluted water. Viral meningitis cannot be helped by antibiotics, treatment is based on good nursing care. Recovery is normally complete, but headaches, tiredness may persist. Bacterial, caused by a bacterium Bacterial meningitis, although comparatively rare, is by far the most dangerous and may be fatal. Bacteria may be spread between people by coughing, sneezing, and kissing, but they cannot live outside the body for long. They cannot be picked up from water supplies, swimming pools, buildings, etc. Symptoms: Not all these symptoms will show at once. * Vomiting * High Temperature * Violent or severe headache * Neck Stiffness * Light Aversion * Drowsiness * Joint Pains * Fitting, Confusion Symptoms for children may also include: * Fever possibly with the hands and feet feeling cold * Refusing foods or vomiting * High pitched moaning cry or whimpering * Dislike of being handled, fretful * Neck retraction with arching back * Blank and staring expression * Child difficult to wake, lethargic * Pale, blotchy skin color Septicaemia (blood poisoning) may also occur A rash of red or purple spots or bruises anywhere on the body is a very serious sign, place a glass over the rash, if the spots or bruises do not turn white when pressed with the glass; Get help immediately. With two or more of these symptoms consult your G.P. to eliminate a diagnosis of meningitis. Meningitis is not easy to identify at first because the symptoms are similar to those of flu. Recognizing the symptoms early could mean the difference between life and death. Someone with meningitis will become very ill. The illness may progress over one or two days but it can develop quickly and sometimes in just a few hours the patient will become seriously ill . Treatment: go to your Doctor or get the patient to Hospital now! There are many forms and degrees of meningitis. Treating it depends on the type of bacterium or virus that causes the infection. Antibiotics are used to treat bacterial meningitis, and may also prescribed for immediate family members or others who are in very close contact with the patient. Antibiotics are not used for viral meningitis. ------------------ These files may be accessed through the web at http://firstaid.ie.eu.org/ I would like to thank the IEASR for allowing me to convert their pages over to the Pilot. Mary Jo Sminkey maryjo@dogpatch.org http://www.dogpatch.org ------------------ DISCLAIMER: Information in these files is presented in order to impart general information relating to first aid of various injuries and conditions. Such information is not complete and should not be used as a substitute for a consultation or visit with your physician or other health care provider, or as a substiture for actual training in first aid and/or CPR. While all reasonable care has been taken in compiling this information, Mary Jo Sminkey and Irish Emergency Ambulance Services Resource (IEASR) make no warranty as to the information's completeness, reliability or accuracy. Access to and use of the information contained herein is entirely at the risk of the user, Mary Jo Sminkey and IEASR shall not be liable, directly or indirectly to the user or any third party for any damage resulting from the use of the information contained or implied in the Pilot First Aid files.