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Meningitis: MedlinePlus

 
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National Institutes of Health

Meningitis

Also called: Spinal meningitis 

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Meningitis is inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. There are several types of meningitis. The most common is viral meningitis, which you get when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be deadly. It usually starts with bacteria that cause a cold-like infection. It can block blood vessels in the brain and lead to stroke and brain damage. It can also harm other organs. Pneumococcal infections and meningococcal infections can cause bacterial meningitis.
Anyone can get meningitis, but it is more common in people whose bodies have trouble fighting infections. Meningitis can progress rapidly. You should seek medical care quickly if you have

• A sudden fever
• A severe headache
• A stiff neck

Early treatment can help prevent serious problems, including death. Vaccines can prevent some of the bacterial infections that cause meningitis. Parents of adolescents and students living in college dorms should talk to a doctor about the vaccination.

NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

MEDICAL ENCYCLOPEDIA  

• Aseptic meningitis
• Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) collection
• Cerebrospinal fluid culture
• CSF analysis
• CSF cell count
• CSF smear
• Meningitis
• Meningitis - cryptococcal
• Meningitis - gram-negative
• Meningitis - H. influenzae
• 
  

  

Related Topics

• Encephalitis
• Haemophilus Infections
• Meningococcal Infections
• Pneumococcal Infections
• Brain and Nerves
• Infections

National Institutes of Health

• The primary NIH organization for research on Meningitis is the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

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Parasitic Meningitis

05/31/2012 08:00 PM EDT

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Related MedlinePlus Page: Meningitis

Fungal Meningitis

05/31/2012 08:00 PM EDT

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Related MedlinePlus Page: Meningitis

Viral Meningitis

05/31/2012 08:00 PM EDT

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Related MedlinePlus Page: Meningitis

Bacterial Meningitis

05/31/2012 08:00 PM EDT

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Related MedlinePlus Page: Meningitis

Viral Meningitis and Bacterial Meningitis

05/31/2012 08:00 PM EDT

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - PDF
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Non-Infectious Meningitis

05/31/2012 08:00 PM EDT

Source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Related MedlinePlus Page: Meningitis