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Meningitis : Causes And Symptoms

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Introduction

Meningitis is viewed as an inflammation of the spinal cord or primarily the brain that was caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, fungi, or toxins (Huether, S., 2012). Meningitis can be minor, mid acute, or chronic with the pathophysiology, signs and symptoms, and treatment (Huether, S., 2012). Bacterial meningitis are primarily placed to attack by an infection is in the Pia mater and the arachnoid (Huether, S., 2012). The Pia mater and the arachnoid are located in the innermost layer of the membrane surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The cause and symptoms are the main scare of bacterial meningitis because it can be easily spread from person to person and have symptoms just like a common cold. Bacteria meningitis can …show more content…

Then this allows the bacteria to cross through the mucous membrane and enter the blood stream. With meningococcal bacteria in the blood stream they become alive and multiply and release endotoxin. The body immune system will push neutrophils and white blood cells to fight the bacteria. However, with meningococcal bacteria multiplying faster than the first line of defense can fight the response of the immune system will show signs of high temperature, drowsiness, and feeling sick and unwell. When the meningococcal bacteria travel through the blood stream they release cytotoxic inflammatory agents and bacterial toxins to break down the filtering mechanism that help filter certain substance called the blood brain barrier (Huether, S., 2012) with the toxin breaking through the blood brain barrier then the blood vessels in the linings of the brain will get damaged. When that happens, it allows the bacteria to break through and infect the cerebrospinal fluid, and meninges become inflamed and cause pressure around the brain that leads to nerve damage. Inflamed blood vessels and thrombi (blood clots formed within blood vessels) can disrupt blood flow can lead into chronic injury or death.
Signs and Symptoms
The common symptoms of bacterial meningitis include: Difficulty thinking clearly, Fever, vomiting, body aches and pains, Headache, Increased sensitivity to light, Having a hard time breathing, Irritability, Loss of appetite or poor

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