What Is Meningitis

Meningitis is a disease that involves the inflammation or irritation of the meninges. Human central nervous system consists of brain and spinal cord, which is surrounded by cerebrospinal fluid. This fluid acts as a cushion to protect the central nervous system. There are membranes in the central nervous system known as meninges, which provide protection to the brain and spinal cord. When the meninges swell or gets inflamed the person suffers from meningitis. When these membranes are infected by bacterial or viral infection, the body finds it hard to fight off the infection because of the absence of white blood cells in the cerebral spinal fluid. Meningitis is a serious infection and can be transmittable. There are, sometimes, outbreaks of this disease but many people recover after they suffer from this serious illness, without any permanent damage. This disease can have an everlasting effect on a person’s ability to think and learn. It can also result in hearing loss. Most cases of meningitis are caused by viruses or bacteria, but it can also be caused by fungi or other microorganisms. Sometimes, a head injury, certain types of cancer or other illnesses, or reactions to medications can also cause meningitis. Read the article below to enlighten yourself about this serious illness, and provide help or assistance to those near and dear ones who suffer from meningitis.

 

Causes Of Meningitis
Germs are present everywhere, living inside and outside the body. In fact, some of the germs are useful to the body, especially, those present in the intestines. However, there are some germs that can cause a life-threatening situation. Body has a mechanism to fight infections, by producing white blood cells in the immune system. These cells are absent in the central nervous system. Hence, any infection to the membranes surrounding the central nervous system causes meningitis. 

Children show some of these symptoms when they develop meningitis