Inflammation of the meninges,
usually due to a bacterial infection but sometimes from
viral, protozoan, or other causes (in some cases the cause
cannot be determined).
The onset is usually rapid (acute), and
if untreated, the disease can be fatal within a very short
period of time. The early symptoms are non-specific and flu-like. They are followed by more serious symptoms, which
may include rash, stiff neck, confusion, vomiting, loss of
appetite, fever, headache, and coma.
Diagnosis is by
observation of the clinical signs and symptoms and is confirmed by lumbar puncture
to examine the cerebrospinal fluid.
Treatment depends on
the cause of the inflammation. Meningitis can cause
permanent damage to the brain and nervous system and is
sometimes the cause of deafness.
Common Misspellings: menigitis, meninengitis, menegitis, menengitis, merengitis, meninigitis, meningitus
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