What is meningitis?

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the layers that cover the brain and the entire nervous system. It is generally so called infections of these layers and the brain itself.

Causes of meningitis

The main causes of inflammation of the meninges are infections. Among them there are two groups:

• Viral meningitis: Popularly known as "good", which usually no sequelae or injury.
• Bacterial meningitis are "bad", the most serious, since they are causing death and serious injury sequelae.

Symptoms of meningitis

The main symptoms that occur in meningitis are:

• Fever (sometimes high but not always)
• Discomfort
• Nausea or vomiting
• "Stiff neck" (it is well known, although not always given)

First, it is not clear whether it will be a meningitis good or bad, but should always be treated urgently. Also keep in mind that are at risk of infection and some types can be prevented with vaccines such as pneumococcus the meningococcus B.

Treatment of meningitis

The most important thing is prevention through vaccination of all possible types of serious meningitis to prevent getting and spreading. Once started, it must be addressed urgently in a health center. Also, the pediatrician specializing should start quickly antibiotic treatment and evaluate the risk of contagion to other children or adults in the direct environment (school, home) and find out how it was contracted, for if there has been a contagion of another boy that has not been detected yet.