Best Doctors for Meningitis Treatment in Kolkata

Meningitis can be caused by infectious agents, such as bacteria, viruses, fungi, and sometimes by parasites, and the most common causes of meningitis are bacterial and viral infections. Some of the commonly seen causes of meningitis include: 

Bacterial Meningitis: Common bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis include:

• Neisseria meningitidis: Also known as meningococcus, can lead to severe outbreaks in crowded places.
• Streptococcus pneumoniae: especially in older adults and young children.
• Haemophilus influenzae: can be prevented by HiB Vaccine

Viral Meningitis: It is also known as aseptic meningitis and is usually less severe than bacterial meningitis. It mostly resolves on its own without specific treatment. Some viruses that can cause viral meningitis include:

• Enteroviruses are the most common cause of viral meningitis, especially during summer.
• Herpesviruses: Certain types of herpesviruses, such as herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), can cause viral meningitis.

Fungal Meningitis: Fungal meningitis is rare and tends to occur in people with weakened immune systems. Cryptococcus neoformans and Histoplasma capsulatum are examples of fungi that can cause fungal meningitis.

Parasitic Meningitis: Parasitic infections can also cause meningitis but are rare. The most well-known parasitic cause is the amoeba Naegleria fowleri, found in warm freshwater environments.

Non-Infectious Causes: Meningitis can also be caused by non-infectious factors, such as certain medications, autoimmune diseases, and cancers. These cases are not as common when compared to infectious causes.  

The symptoms of meningitis vary depending on the age, the underlying cause of the infection, and the severity. The symptoms develop rapidly and become severe, requiring prompt medical attention. Common symptoms of meningitis include:

• High fever: with a sudden onset is a common symptom of meningitis.
• Severe Headache: Intense and persistent headaches are usually present and can be one of the early signs of meningitis. 
• Stiff Neck: Stiffness and discomfort in the neck, especially when bending the head to touch the chin to the chest, can indicate meningeal irritation.
• Sensitivity to Light: Photophobia, or sensitivity to light, is considered a classic symptom of meningitis. Bright lights can be very painful to look at.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Nausea and vomiting are usually seen in individuals with meningitis.
• Confusion or Altered Mental Status: Confusion, irritability, and altered mental status may be seen in some individuals. 
• Difficulty Concentrating: Difficulty focusing, confusion, and difficulty concentrating can occur.
• Seizures can be a symptom of severe meningitis, especially in bacterial infections.
• Rash may develop in some bacterial meningitis and can indicate the presence of septicemia or an infection in the bloodstream. 
• In Babies and Young Children: High fever, irritability, excessive sleepiness, poor feeding, and a bulging of the soft spot on the baby's head may be seen in infants and young children.