Bacterial meningitis is the less common of meningitis, but despite its low incidence is a severe condition that must be serviced promptly to avoid serious consequences and even death. 70% of patients with this condition are children under five years of age, being a pathology observed in adolescents and adults; in any case, adequate recovery will depend on the speed with which the patient is attended to. At FastlyHealwe explain in detail some essential aspects of this condition, including the sequelae of bacterial meningitis and which cases they can occur.
What is meningitis?
Meningitis involves inflammation of a thin tissue surrounding our spinal cord and brain, known as the meninges area. Viral meningitis, the most common, occurs when a virus that we contract through our mouth or nose, such as rubella, mumps, or smallpox, ends up attacking the brain. In these cases, the condition usually heals without the need for treatment.
However, the case of bacterial meningitis is very different and requires prompt and timely medical action.
Why does bacterial meningitis occur?
Bacterial meningitis is less common than viral but much more severe. This is transmitted mainly when bacteria such as pneumococcus and meningococcus, which enter our body typically when we breathe contaminated fluids such as sneezing, reach the blood and with it the meninx and can cause significant neurological damage, severe sequelae, and even death if it is not dealt with quickly and correctly.
This condition usually affects children under five years of age, who have a much more sensitive immune system and are more exposed to the bacteria above. In the case of infants and young children, vaccination against pneumococcus and some types of meningococcus can significantly reduce the possibility of suffering from this disease.
The importance of promptly treating the disease
It is vital to act quickly at the slightest suspicion of bacterial meningitis. The patient must be immediately admitted to the hospital to begin administering the antibiotic treatment and observe if this condition causes any neurological damage or affects other organs. This prognosis usually requires a hospital stay of several weeks or even longer, depending on the case.
This condition can obstruct the blood vessels in the brain, causing strokes and severe injuries to the area. Additionally, the inflammation can spread to other organs causing respiratory problems, coagulation, etc.
The sooner the antibiotic treatment is applied, the more likely the patient will overcome the disease without any sequelae.
Possible sequelae of bacterial meningitis
The sequelae of bacterial meningitis do not always appear; the favorable prognosis will depend on how timely and fast the treatment is. However, this condition can cause irreversible damage such as:
- Deafness
- Paralysis
- Blindness
- Epilepsy
- Red spots on the skin
- Various neurological sequelae
- Coma
Medical treatment and hospital observation may indicate whether the patient may have sequelae in the future.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.