While many types of virus such as the common cold and flu can cause headaches, meningitis is one viral infection that people fear the most.
Meningitis is an dangerous infection in the membrane surrounding the brain. Infections of this type mostly cause inflammation that places pressure on the nerves, bringing on severe headaches. Other symptoms stemming from the inflammation include fever, severe headaches and confusion. In cases where meningitis is severe, the affected person can have brain damage, strokes and seizures, and even die.
Causes of Meningitis
A bacterial infection or a virus is the main cause of meningitis. While the body can usually fight and beat an infection, once the bacteria or virus reaches the bloodstream, it could get into the brain and spinal cord fluid. It will then affect the nerves before moving into the brain itself, causing inflammation and swelling. This swelling is the most dangerous stage, as it kills nerve cells and causes bleeding. Since the brain is primarily a soft organ in a hard container that is the skull, the brain will push against the walls of the skull as it swells, leading to serious damage.
Meningitis can be caused by many factors, including bacterial infection, viral infection, fungal infection, reaction to medication or medical treatment, lupus, some forms of cancer and trauma to the head or back.
Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is considered as the most dangerous type of meningitis, and while rare, it can eventually cause death. Bacterial meningitis is caused by an infection in the upper respiratory tract. The infection then spreads through the blood vessels to the brain. In some cases, the infection heads directly to the meninges during a trauma or injury. The danger here lies with the blocked up blood vessels inside the brain, which could trigger a stroke and lead to brain damage.
Known as the most common form of meningitis in the United States, viral meningitis is typically caused by types of viruses known as enteroviruses. Enteroviruses often enter the body via the mouth. They then proceed to the brain where they multiply. An individual infected with viral meningitis have the virus in his or her mucus, saliva and feces.
Viruses that can cause this type of meningitis include chickenpox (varicella zoster), flu, mumps, HIV and genital herpes.
Potential Risks
While anyone can get viral meningitis, people whose immune systems are weak, like those with HIV or those taking immunosuppressant medications, are highly susceptible to contracting viral meningitis.
Symptoms of Meningitis
Initial symptoms of meningitis are similar to the flu, usually lasting around between one and two days. In some cases, a rash will be present. Other symptoms to look out for include the sudden onset of fever, severe headache, stiff neck and aversion to light.
Treatment for Meningitis
A speedy treatment is required for bacterial meningitis for a successful recovery. Medication will also involve antibiotics that will be provided intravenously if the infection is severe. In the case of viral meningitis, antibiotics won’t be of much help, as they don’t destroy viruses. Resting at home or in a hospital will be beneficial.
