18 Best Doctors for Meningitis available in Kolkata

Meningitis is inflammation of membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, typically caused by an infection. It can be caused by a viral, bacterial or fungal infection.

Signs and symptoms of meningitis include
-fever, headache, neck stiffness
-vomiting, confusion
-seizures, sleepiness
-sensitivity to light
-skin rash
-contant crying, poor feeding in newborns

The most common cause of meningitis is a viral infection like enterovirus. It can also be caused by bacterial infections like pneumococcus, meningococcus, haemophilus pneumoniae, and listeria and fungal infections like cryptococcus. Risk factors include young age, decreased immunity and pregnancy.

Diagnosis of meningitis is done by following methods
-medical history and physical examination
-blood counts and culture
-CT scan, MRI scan, X-ray
-Lumbar puncture and CSF analysis

Meningitis treatment depends upon its cause. Intravenous antibiotics are used in bacterial meningitis. Analgesics, fluids, anticonvulsants and corticosteroids are required in viral meningitis. Antifungals are given in fungal meningitis.