WHAT ARE THE POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS?
The longer the disease is presented, the greater is the risk of complications from meningitis as:
- Hearing loss;
- Shock;
- Damage to the kidneys;
- Epilepsy;
- Speech problems;
- Cerebral Palsy;
- Visual impairment;
- Cognitive disorders;
- Death.
HOW IS IT DIAGNOSED?
- Blood analyzes. Microbiological laboratory and blood tests help in diagnosis.
- X-ray and CT. To detect whether an infection is present in other structures nearby brain tissue used as visual tests or X-ray computed tomography.
- Lumbar puncture. For the definitive diagnosis, it is necessary to do a lumbar puncture. It is a procedure that takes a sample of cerebrospinal fluid. The analysis of this fluid shows what type of meningitis is in question.
WHEN SHOULD I SEE A DOCTOR?
Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the signs or symptoms of meningitis, especially if it is:
- Photophobia;
- Stiff neck;
- Fever;
- Confusion;
- Severe headache;
- Skin rash.
Viral meningitis can pass without treatment, but in case of bacterial meningitis you should react immediately and to be given appropriate antibiotic therapy. Delaying treatment for bacterial meningitis increases the risk of side effects and can be fatal within a few days.
Note: If you have been in close contact with a person suffering from meningitis, consult your doctor. You may need to receive preventive antibiotic therapy.
