Meninges are the protective membranes of the spinal cord and brain. Meningitis is the infection caused by these meninges. It can be a bacterial or viral attack that swells up the meninges causing a disturbance in the central nervous systems. It can lead to brain and spinal damage also.

Some parasites and fungi may also be the cause of meningitis. Meningitis symptoms are common to that of influenza. So, often people are treated wrongly, and that intensifies the condition of the patients. So, it is important to know the early signs and meningitis symptoms.

Types of meningitis

• Bacterial meningitis
  Bacteria that infuses with blood and carries the infection to the brain or spinal cord causes bacterial meningitis.

Bacteria can invade the nerves directly due to sinus, skull fracture or post-surgery. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency and causes septicemia (infection of the blood). The bacteria that cause meningitis are-
– Streptococcus (pneumococcus)
This bacterium mainly targets infants and adults. It also causes sinus and ear infection. It can be prevented with a vaccine.
– Neisseria meningitis (meningococcus)
It is the prime cause of upper respiratory lung infection. It causes meningitis if they enter the bloodstream. Teenagers and young adults are mainly affected. A vaccine can prevent the infection.
– Haemophilus influenzae (Haemophilus)
The type HIB bacterium was a common cause of meningitis in children.

It has now been curbed by HIB vaccines.
– Listeria monocytogenes (Listeria)
These bacteria are found in unpasteurized cheese, hot dogs, and meat. Its targets pregnant women, children, and young adults. Listeria can cross the placental barrier and harm the fetus.

Viral meningitis
Viral meningitis is less harmful than bacterial meningitis. The body learns to cure viral meningitis symptoms by itself eventually. Enteroviruses like herpes simplex virus, HIV mumps, and West Nile virus cause viral meningitis.

Chronic meningitis
Slow growing viruses that infect the outer membranes and fluids cause chronic meningitis. It develops over a period of 2 weeks or more. Meningitis symptoms like headaches, vomiting, and fever are synonymous with chronic meningitis.

Fungal meningitis
Fungal meningitis cases are rare and are a prototype of chronic meningitis. Unlike bacterial meningitis, it is not contagious. People suffering from immune deficiency diseases like AIDS are exposed to fungal meningitis. It can be fatal if left untreated.

Meningitis symptoms
The meningitis symptoms show up all of a sudden and the condition deteriorates at jet-speed. You should immediately, call an ambulance and get the treatment started. Meningitis is a fatal and contagious disease which should be treated with immediate effect.

• Early signs of meningitis
  Meningitis has some early warning signs that crop up before the main meningitis symptoms. It is better you have a sound knowledge of them. This will help prevent serious complexities.
  – You will feel excruciating pain in your limbs and joints. Your limbs (hands and feet) will have aching sensations.
  – Hands and feet turn cold and you feel a sudden chill. You tend to shiver due to the numbness.
  – There is a change in the skin color and texture. Your skin turns pale and now has blotches. Your lips will turn blue or purple.
  – Your body temperature will soar up along with these meningitis symptoms.
• Early meningitis symptoms
  The early meningitis symptoms are common and similar to normal viral or bacterial attack. It becomes difficult to diagnose meningitis at the early stage. But if you are aware and vigilant you can successfully identify these early warnings. They are as follows-
  – Meningitis affects the membranes of the brain, which is an integral part of the central nervous system. So, severe headache is a very common meningitis symptom.
  – It is accompanied by high fever.
  – Nausea is also a traditional meningitis symptom.
  – There is an overall deterioration in your general health.
• Late meningitis symptoms
  If you fail to identify the early signs, then your condition may worsen. It will give rise to the following symptoms-
  – You will always feel drowsy and fatigued.
  – You will be in a state of mental confusion every time.
  – You may experience attacks like seizures and fits at regular intervals.
  – Photophobia is another later meningitis symptom. It means irritation due to light exposure.
  – A stiff neck is another common meningitis symptom in adults.
  – Rapid breathing is felt if the attack is due to respiratory infections.
  – An eruption of a blotchy red rash is another later meningitis symptom. It doesn’t tend to fade away and is not always visible.
• Meningitis symptoms in babies
  The meningitis symptoms in babies are different from that of adults. They are-
  – Babies become floppy and unresponsive and show stiff or jerky motions.
  – They become irritable throwing tantrums and crying often.
  – Vomiting is common. Babies refuse to eat due to loss of appetite.
  – They remain sleepy and show reluctance in waking up.

If you experience any of the meningitis symptoms or signs, it is recommended that you consult your doctor and undergo a treatment on an immediate basis.