Meningitis is a potentially serious disease which causes inflammation of the meninges, the lining which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. There are two distinct forms of meningitis: bacterial and viral. The warning signs are similar for both of these forms, but the bacterial form is much more serious and if left untreated can be fatal.

Luckily, bacterial meningitis is much rarer than viral meningitis. The early signs of bacterial meningitis are similar to, and are often confused with, the flu: severe headache, sleepiness, stiffness in the neck, pain in joints, an aversion to bright lights, running a high temperature or having a fever, dizziness, vomiting. Bacterial meningitis is sometimes accompanied by septicemia (a blood infection caused by the same bacteria responsible for the meningitis). In this case, the patient will likely develop a rash, which will start out as small red spots and grow as the infection proceeds. The way to check if a rash may be a symptom of blood infection related to meningitis is to press a narrow glass against the rash. If the rash does not disappear while the glass is pressed against it, then it could be an infection and you should seek medical attention.

The early signs of viral meningitis are similar to the early signs of bacterial meningitis and are also often confused with the flu: headache, pain in joints, sore throat, running a high temperature, diarrhea. If you believe that you have meningitis, it is important to see a doctor in order to distinguish the milder viral form from the potentially fatal bacterial form. Not all of the symptoms of meningitis may appear at once, but if more two or more of the warning signs appear at one time, then you should seek immediate medical attention for yourself or your child. If your doctor cannot be contacted, then go to the emergency room.

The term meningitis does not actually refer to a specific disease but rather refers to the inflammation of the meninges tissues. There are 9 different types of meningitis inflammation. Meningitis symptoms are serious. Aseptic meningitis is not caused by bacterial infection. Some kind of virus, mumps would be an example, are the usual cause of this type of meningitis. There are other causes though, like specific diseases and some medications can cause this to happen to a person as well.

Bacterial meningitis is caused by a bacterial infection. One problem with this type of meningitis is that it often leads to vomiting which can lead to dehydration. Be sure to look out for that. Cryptococcal meningitis is actually caused by an infection from a specific kind of yeast is called Cryptococcus and is found in bird feces and dirt. It is rare that this type of meningitis really causes a problem but it is possible if it has the right conditions to grow. The most common reason it will be a problem is when it is associated with a person with AIDS. Infectious meningitis is actually basically just a general term for meningitis. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses or protozoa. The majority of people are not susceptible to these infectious agents but some are. The most likely to develop a problem are infants, people who have had transplants, people with AIDS and people with other issues that compromise their immune systems. Meningococcal meningitis is a very dangerous and deadly form of meningitis. Part of the reason it is so dangerous is that it progresses very quickly and is incredibly contagious by any form of physical contact. It is a bacterial form of meningitis. Neoplastic meningitis is a result of tumors on the brain or spinal cord inflaming the meninges. Viral meningitis is caused by any number of virus’. It is highly contagious and occurs often in children, especially in tandem with the chicken box. Tuberculous meningitis is caused by tuberculosis. It is very dangerous and can cause brain damage if it is not properly diagnosed and treated. Syphilitic meningitis is caused by the same bacteria that causes syphilis.