meningitis. what is meningitis? inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord...
TRANSCRIPT
What is Meningitis?What is Meningitis?
• Inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord
• Organisms such as bacteria or viruses can infect the layers (meninges)
Causes of MeningitisCauses of Meningitis
• Meningitis is usually caused by a viral or bacterial infection.
• Viral meningitis less severe and is resolve without treatment
• Bacterial meningitis is severe and may result in:– Brain damage– Hearing loss– Learning disability
– Death
Where did this disease come from?
Where did this disease come from?
• Was first known as “Man disease”• Recognize in the 19TH Century• Small outbreaks in Paris and Geneva• In the US there was a wide spread epidemic
Diagnosing MeningitisDiagnosing Meningitis
• Spinal tap is performed
• needle is inserted into an area in the lower back
• Identification of the type of bacteria
• is important for selection of correct antibiotics.
Is meningitis contagious?
Is meningitis contagious?
• Yes, some forms of viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious.
• Is spread through the exchange of respiratory and throat secretions for example, coughing and kissing.
• Sharing drinks or cigarettes
Who is at risk?Who is at risk?
• Infants, young children and the elderly
• college freshmen who live in dormitories
• People in the same household or day-care center
• Military
Treatment for viral meningitis
Treatment for viral meningitis
Viral meningitisNo specific treatmentPatients recover completely on their ownBed rest is recommended, fluids, and medicine to relive fever and headache
Treatment for bacterial meningitis
cont..
Treatment for bacterial meningitis
cont..
Fatal if not treated in time
Pt. must be hospitalized
Be given a numerous of antibiotics
Ampicillin, cefotaxime,or corticosteroids
Overall, if depends what kind of bacteria a PT. has.
PreventionPrevention
Vaccines– HIB haemophilus
influenza • Infants and children
– Pneumoccal Vaccine• Elderly
– Neisseria meningitidis & Streptococcus Pneumoniae• Recommended for college students living in dormitories
Cost of VaccinesCost of Vaccines
The cost of vaccinesare costly but are worth it.
•Range is from $64.00 – $75.00