Summary Meningitis

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