8/8/2019 Could a Headache Possibly Be Meningitis
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Could A Headache Possibly Be
Meningitis?
Headache - Could it Be Meningitis
Meningitis refers to the inflammation of the protective membrane
covering the brain and spinalcord, known as the meninges. This
inflammation is most commonly caused by infections (byviruses,
bacteria or other microorganisms).
What are the Symptoms of Meningitis?
Someone with meningitis of infective origin (which is by far the
most common cause ofmeningitis), generally presents with a headache
and fever. There is often stiffness of the neckmuscles (nuchal
rigidity) and associated intolerance to bright light (photophobia)
and intoleranceto loud sounds (phonophobia).
In more severe cases, there may be confusion, altered level of
consciousness and coma.
In meningitis caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis,
there may be an associated rapidlyspreading skin rash. Meningitis
caused by other microbes, responsible for Hand, foot and
mouthdisease and genital herpes, may also be associated with other
skin signs.
How is Meningitis Diagnosed?
Your doctor will review your symptoms and conduct a physical
examination, including athorough examination of your neurological
system. To aid in the diagnosis of meningitis, thefollowing may be
done:
Lumbar puncture:
This is the most important test for the diagnosis of meningitis.
Basically, a small needle isinserted into the lumbar region of the
back, under local anaesthesia, and a sample of spinal fluidis
withdrawn for laboratory testing. This sample of spinal fluid will
help doctors make thediagnosis of meningitis, identify the cause of
meningitis and, if the cause is found to be ofbacterial origin,
identify what antibiotics may be used to treat it.
Other tests such as blood tests, a CT scan or MRI scan of the
brain, may also be performed.
How is Meningitis Treated?
All patients with meningitis will require supportive therapy to
ensure adequate hydration, painrelieve and monitoring for
complications which may arise.
Bacterial meningitis will require urgent treatment with
antibiotics as meningitis is potentially
life-threatening with a high mortality rate if left untreated.
Delay in treatment is also associatedwith a poorer outcome. As
such, empirical antibiotics must be started immediately, even
beforethe results of the lumbar puncture are known.
Can Meningitis be Prevented?
The best way to prevent meningitis, is to ensure that your child
follows your country's NationalImmunization Schedule and receives
all his or her vaccinations. There also also some
8/8/2019 Could a Headache Possibly Be Meningitis
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vaccinations which will help prevent meningitis, which may not
be part of the NationalImmunization Schedule. These may include
vaccinations against:
Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib) infection Peumococcal
infection Meningococcal infection
Chickenpox infection
Dr Ang C.D. has been in medical practice for over 12 years. He
graduated with an M.B.B.S. degreefrom the National University of
Singapore in 1997 and subsequently completed his
post-graduatediploma in Family Medicine. He has had training in
Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine,Geriatric Medicine,
Orthopaedic Surgery, Obstetrics & Gynaecology, Neurosurgery,
General Surgery,Colorectal Surgery and Urology. Dr Ang currently
practices in a family clinic in Singapore, seeing agood mix of
paediatric, adult and geriatric patients.
With the goal of providing local and international patients with
a resource for specialist care inSingapore, Dr Ang has founded
SingaporeDoc.com, a Web Directory of Specialists in Private
Practicein Singapore. http://singaporedoc.com
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