Has your child suddenly developed a high fever and is very lethargic and sleepy? Does he cry incessantly no matter how much you shake him? Or do you yourself have an unbearable headache and feel so stiff that you can't even move your neck? The biggest fear that comes to our minds at a time like this is "brain fever?" In fact, one of these "brain fever" conditions is meningitis. This is a potentially dangerous condition that requires very immediate medical attention. Therefore, it is very important for all of us to be fully aware of this meningitis.
Simply put, what is meningitis?
Think of our brain and the spinal cord that runs down our spine as two very delicate, precious organs. To protect them, they are surrounded by a protective layer made up of three thin membranes. Just like when we buy a new phone, we put a protective layer on it to protect its screen. We call this covering the meninges.
Meningitis is an infection that causes the protective membranes to become swollen or inflamed. Importantly, this is not a disease of the brain itself, but of the covering that surrounds the brain. However, because this covering is very close to the brain, if the infection becomes severe, there is a high chance that the brain will also be damaged.
Some people confuse the two conditions meningitis and encephalitis. Meningitis is an infection of the covering of the brain. Encephalitis is an infection of the brain tissue itself . The symptoms of both can be similar.
There are several types of meningitis depending on how they occur.
This disease is caused by different types of germs. The severity of the disease and treatment depend on the germ.
1. Bacterial Meningitis
This is the most feared type of stroke, the most dangerous. This is a medical emergency that can be life-threatening. If treatment is not started as soon as symptoms start, serious complications such as permanent brain damage and hearing loss can occur. Therefore, if you suspect this, you should go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) without delay.
Some of the main types of bacteria that cause this are:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae
- Neisseria meningitidis
- Listeria monocytogenes (especially in the elderly, pregnant women, and those with weakened immune systems)
In the past, the main bacteria that caused meningitis in young children was Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). However, now that the Hib vaccine is given to children under the national vaccination program in our country, the incidence of meningitis caused by it has been largely controlled. There are also vaccines for other types of bacteria.
2. Viral Meningitis
This is more common than the bacterial type, and is usually not as serious. Most of the time, it clears up on its own within 7-10 days without any special treatment. However, only a doctor can determine whether it is caused by a virus or bacteria. Therefore, it is essential to go to the hospital when symptoms appear.
It can be caused by various types of viruses, such as herpes, mumps, measles, and the virus that causes hand, foot, and mouth disease.
3. Fungi, parasites and other rare species
These are very rare types of meningitis. People with a healthy, strong immune system are less likely to develop them. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are more likely to develop this type of meningitis.
What are the symptoms? How do we recognize this?
Meningitis symptoms can appear suddenly, over a period of hours or days. At first, they may feel like a common cold or flu, but the symptoms can quickly become severe.
| Common symptoms (adults and children over 2 years old) | |
|---|---|
| High fever | Sudden high fever. |
| Severe headache | A pain that is different from a normal headache, unbearable. |
| Stiff Neck | This is a major symptom. The neck becomes so stiff that it is impossible to bend the neck down and rest the chin on the chest. |
| Being sensitive to the outside | Inability to look at bright light, eyes turning blue. |
| Vomiting and nausea | Vomiting, especially with a headache. |
| Confusion and drowsiness | Confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness that is difficult to wake up. |
| Skin rash | Some types of bacteria can cause a rash that looks like purple spots or dots (this is explained below). |
| Symptoms in young babies and infants | |
| High fever | Body coldness may also be a symptom. |
| Crying non-stop | The crying increases, especially when the baby is picked up. |
| Lethargy/lifelessness | The baby is sleepy, refusing to drink milk, and is inactive. |
| A soft spot on the top of the head that is swollen | The soft spot on the top of the baby's head (fontanelle) appears swollen and bulging. |
| Body and neck stiffness | The baby's body is unusually stiff. |
Meningitis Rash and the Glass Test
Bacterial meningitis can sometimes cause a distinctive rash. This is caused by damage to blood vessels and bleeding under the skin.
- At first, these may start as small red dots.
- These can later develop into large, purple spots that resemble bruises.
The Glass Test: This is a very important test. Take a clear glass and press it against the rash. If it's a normal rash, it will turn white and disappear when pressed. However, if it's a meningitis rash, it won't go away even if you press it with a glass. This is called a "non-blanching rash." If you see a rash like this, it's definitely a medical emergency! Go to the hospital immediately!
Diagnosis and treatment of the disease
When you or your child goes to the hospital with symptoms of meningitis, the doctor will first examine you and ask about your symptoms. They will need to run several tests to confirm the diagnosis.
- Blood tests: Check for a bacterial infection in the blood.
- Spinal Tap / Lumbar Puncture: This is the most important and definitive test for diagnosing a disease. In this, a small needle is inserted into the lower back and a small amount of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid - CSF) is removed for testing. This fluid is tested to see if the infection is caused by bacteria, a virus, or something else. There is no need to be afraid of this test, it is done very safely by an experienced doctor.
Treatment depends on the type of meningitis.
- In case of bacterial meningitis: Immediately hospitalize and start intravenous antibiotics . Sometimes, treatment is started on suspicion, without even waiting for the spinal fluid test report. Because every second counts in this case.
- Viral meningitis: Usually no special treatment is needed. Getting plenty of rest, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking painkillers such as paracetamol for fever and body aches is sufficient. However, this decision should only be made by a doctor.
How can you protect yourself from this disease?
Some of the germs that cause meningitis can be spread from one person to another through sneezing, coughing, and saliva droplets. So let's practice these things to protect ourselves.
- Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water regularly. Especially before eating, after using the bathroom, and after being in public places. Teach your children this habit too.
- Do not share items you use with others (e.g. toothbrushes, cups, cutlery, lipstick).
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing.
- Get vaccinated. Our country's national vaccination program provides vaccines to protect against bacteria such as Hib and Pneumococcus, which cause meningitis. Give your child these vaccines on time.
- Pregnant mothers should be especially careful. Eat only well-cooked foods. Avoid foods like unpasteurized milk and cheese, undercooked meat, fish, eggs, and sausages. These may contain a bacteria called `Listeria`.
Take-Home Message
- Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is a very serious condition.
- Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency. Delay in treatment can lead to death or permanent disability.
- The main symptoms are a high fever, unbearable headache, and a stiff neck that makes it impossible to bend the neck downward .
- If you see a purple rash that does not fade when pressed with a glass, it is a very dangerous sign.
- If you have the slightest suspicion that you or your child has meningitis, go to the nearest hospital Emergency Department (ETU) immediately without thinking twice.
- Getting vaccinated on time can protect against some of the more severe forms of this disease.
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