Spinal Meningitis is the lay term for meningitis caused by the "meningococcus," Neiserria meningitidis. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person's spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. People sometimes refer to it as spinal meningitis. Meningitis affects both the brain and spinal cord at the same time. You can't have JUST spinal meningitis – you simply have meningitis. Therefore, spinal meningitis and regular meningitis are one and the same.
It is an inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord due to bacterial or viral infection, and may be life threatening. Many types of bacteria can cause the illness, but immunisation introduced over recent years against the more common strains has been very effective in reducing the incidence of the disease.
Should anyone, of any age, show some of the signs and need to be seen by a doctor, it may be quicker and better for the patient to take him directly to a surgery than to wait for a home visit.
Many people reading this list may be aware that meningitis can be associated with a reddish-purple rash that doesn't disappear when a clear glass is pressed over it. The rash does not occur in every case of meningitis and when it does, it is usually a late sign. It is not necessary to have a rash to make the diagnosis.
- There are many forms of meningitis. If diagnosed early enough, most people with meningitis make a complete recovery with the help of antibiotics. Sometimes, artificial ventilation using a machine that helps a person breathe normally is necessary for a while. If the disease is identified too late it may be fatal.
- Viral meningitis usually follows a viral illness such as chickenpox or mumps. Often general nursing care, rest and (occasionally) antiviral drugs may be needed.
- There is no doubt that in this illness prevention is better than cure, as the illness mimics many others. Delayed treatment can result in death or permanent brain damage.
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