Meningitis
What is meningitis?
inflammation of the two inner meninges (the pia and arachnoid mater) of the brain
and spinal cord.
Is bacterial or viral meningitis more dangerous?
bacterial is more serious and dangerous
virus: not infectious and goes away on its own
What are the meninges?
three membranes
protect the brain and spinal cord
alongside the cerebrospinal fluid
What is the meninges made up of?
dura matter:
tough outermost layer, thick and durable membrane
protective barrier
Arachnoid mater:
located beneath the dura matter
web-like structure
protects underlying structures
Pia matter:
innermost layer
closely attached to the surface of the brain and spinal cord
thin delicate membrane
sits on the brain
provides nourishment to the nervous tissue through blood vessels
Causes of meningitis
bacterial
o Streptococcus pneumoniae
o Haemophilus influenzae type b
fungal
o cryptococcus
parasitic
o naegleria fowleri
viral
o mumps
o herpes
o enteroviruses
trauma
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis
fever
headache
stiff neck
photosensitivity
if you lift the head up the knees seem to bend
blanching rash: rash that disappears with pressure
muscle pain
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