Anytime a headache comes on suddenly, I fear that it’s meningitis. I don’t know exactly when, why, or how I developed a paranoid dread of contracting this illness, but I did. Now that I know that I’m past the age where it’s likely that I’ll catch it, I can rest assured that it’s probably just another tension headache causing sharp pains in the back of my head along with my stiff neck.

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Septicemia is blood poisoning created by the same germs; meningitis and septicemia can occur together or separately. Viral meningitis is not generally life threatening but can still be a very serious condition that occurs mainly in children. Septicemia does not normally occur in cases of viral meningitis.

Most people survive meningitis, but may suffer after effects such as headaches, hearing problems, fatigue, sight problems, poor concentration and co-ordination problems.

Causes of Meningitis

Meningitis can be often associated with virus or bacteria, the same ones that cause other common illnesses. Bacteria and viruses that infect the skin, urinary tract or gastrointestinal system can spread by the bloodstream to the meninges through the fluid that circulates in and around the spinal cord called the cerebrospinal fluid. It can be spread easily among people living in close quarters, so teens, college students, and boarding students are highly susceptible although kids of any age can catch it.

In some cases of bacterial meningitis, the bacterial infection can spread to the meninges from a severe ear infection, sinus infection (sinusitis), or a severe head trauma.

There are many types of bacteria that can cause meningitis. In infants, Group B streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes are among them. Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus) and Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) are more often the causes in older children.

Many different viruses can also cause meningitis: enteroviruses (coxsackievirus, poliovirus, and hepatitis A) and the herpesvirus.

Symptoms of Meningitis

The beginning symptoms of meningitis tend to be like those of a cold or flu; fever, body aches, sneezing or runny nose. The following symptoms may come on suddenly:
• fever
• lethargy (decreased consciousness or listlessness)
• irritability
• headache
• photophobia (eye sensitivity to light)
• stiff neck
• skin rashes
• seizures
Other symptoms of meningitis in infants can include:
• jaundice (a yellowish tint to the skin)
• stiffness of the body and neck (neck rigidity)
• fever or lower-than-normal temperature
• poor feeding
• weak suckle
• high-pitched cry
• bulging fontanels (the soft spot at the top/front of the baby’s skull)

Home Remedies

Meningitis can be life threatening. The remedies can be used as an aid in recovery, but should not replace medical attention. If meningitis is suspected, please consult with you physician or pediatrician.
• Olive Leaf Extract—has a powerful anti-bacterial effect, and the ability to interfere with critical amino acid production essential for viruses
• Colloidal Silver—a natural antibiotic
• Chlorella—plant with the highest known amount of chlorophyll which carries oxygen around the bloodstream, so it cleans and purifies the blood stream as well as builds the red cell blood count
As always, drink plenty of liquids and get plenty of rest.

-Anne

Do you have any home remedies for meningitis? Comment and share them with us!

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