Meningitis overview
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Meningitis Main Page |
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-In-Chief: Cafer Zorkun, M.D., Ph.D. [2]
Overview
Meningitis is the inflammation of the protective membranes covering the central nervous system, known collectively as the meninges (the leptomeninges and underlying subarachnoid cerebrospinal fluid). Meningitis may develop in response to a number of causes, including infectious agents (bacteria, viruses, fungi, or other organisms), physical injury, cancer, or certain drugs. While some forms of meningitis are mild and resolve on their own, meningitis is a potentially serious condition owing to the proximity of the inflammation to the brain and spinal cord. The potential for serious neurologic damage or even death necessitates prompt medical attention and evaluation. Infectious meningitis, the most common form, is typically treated with antibiotics and close observation. [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [6]
References
- ↑ Durand, M.L., et.al., Acute bacterial meningitis: a review of 493 episodes, NEJM 1993; 328: 21-28. PMID 8416268
- ↑ Fekete, T., Clinical features of acute bacterial meningitis, in UpToDate, October 5, 1997.
- ↑ Quagliarello, V., Scheld, W.M., Bacterial meningitis: pathogenesis, pathophysiology, and progress, NEJM 1992; 327: 864-872. PMID 1508247
- ↑ Quagliarello, V., Scheld, W.M., Treatment of bacterial meningitis, NEJM 1997; 336: 708-716. PMID 9041103
- ↑ Schuchat, A., et.al., Bacterial meningitis in the United States in 1995, NEJM 1997; 337: 970-976. PMID 9395430
- ↑ Townsend, G.C., Scheld, W.M., The use of corticosteroids in the management of bacterial meningitis in adults, J Antimicrobial Chemotherapy 1996; 37: 1061-1061. PMID 8836809