Treatment FAQ

what is the treatment for meningitis

by Quinten Little Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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Acute bacterial meningitis must be treated immediately with intravenous antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids. This helps to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures. The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection.Oct 1, 2020

Medication

The diagnostic requirements essential for satisfactory management are defined and the antibiotic therapy of meningitis is discussed in detail. Data obtained from both experimental and clinical meningitis are indicative that a minimum bactericidal titre of 1:10 should be achieved in the cerebrospinal fluid for optimal therapeutic results. Recommendations are given for specific …

Self-care

Sep 11, 2020 · Treatment depends on the type of meningitis. The treatment for different types of meningitis is as follows: Bacterial meningitis: It is treated with antibiotics. Intravenous administration of corticosteroids and antibiotics helps to bring down inflammation. After identifying the specific bacteria, physicians may change antibiotics.

Nutrition

Sep 28, 2021 · A range of antibiotics is used to treat meningitis, including penicillin, ampicillin, and ceftriaxone. During epidemics of meningococcal and pneumococcal meningitis, ceftriaxone is the drug of choice. Complications and sequelae One in five people surviving an episode of bacterial meningitis may have long lasting after-effects.

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What is the best antibiotic for meningitis?

In most cases of bacterial meningitis a broad spectrum cephalosporin (cefotaxime or ceftriaxone) is the most appropriate empirical choice in children over 3 months old. These cover Neisseria meningitides, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae, and penetrate CSF well.

What is the main cause of meningitis?

Viral infections are the most common cause of meningitis, followed by bacterial infections and, rarely, fungal and parasitic infections.Oct 1, 2020

How long does meningitis last?

How long does meningitis last? Viral meningitis lasts about 7-10 days with symptoms receding gradually. Bacterial meningitis is usually cured by antibiotics.

What are the chances of surviving meningitis?

WHAT IS THE PROGNOSIS? Prognosis of meningitis depends on the cause. Untreated bacterial meningitis has a very high death rate. Even with appropriate treatment, the death rate from bacterial meningitis is about 15-20%, with a higher death rate associated with increasing age.

Can a person recover from meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis is serious. Some people with the infection die and death can occur in as little as a few hours. However, most people recover from bacterial meningitis. Those who do recover can have permanent disabilities, such as brain damage, hearing loss, and learning disabilities.Jul 15, 2021

What are the 3 types of meningitis?

The three types of meningitis are viral meningitis, fungal meningitis, and bacterial meningitis. The meninges are membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis occurs when these membranes become inflamed, potentially causing serious complications for the nervous system.Dec 18, 2020

How serious is meningitis?

Meningitis can be very serious if not treated quickly. It can cause life-threatening blood poisoning (septicaemia) and result in permanent damage to the brain or nerves. A number of vaccinations are available that offer some protection against meningitis.

Can you survive meningitis without treatment?

In most cases, there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Most people who get mild viral meningitis usually recover completely in 7 to 10 days without treatment. Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza.

Does meningitis stay in your body forever?

With quick treatment, many people with bacterial meningitis don't have any permanent problems. However, even with prompt treatment, some may battle seizures, brain damage, hearing loss, and disability for the rest of their lives. Meningitis can be fatal and some people with this infection will die.

What are the symptoms of meningitis in adults?

Bacterial and viral meningitis symptoms may develop within hours or days. Fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness are the hallmark symptoms of meningitis. Others include: Nausea and vomiting.Jul 3, 2021

Who is generally at highest risk for meningitis Why?

Age – In general, young children are at the highest risk of getting bacterial meningitis and septicaemia but other age groups can also be vulnerable to specific types. Geography and environment - Some countries have higher rates of meningitis and septicaemia.

Prescriptions

Over-The-Counter Medications

Specialist-Driven Procedures

Home Remedies and Lifestyle

Your provider will work with you to develop a care plan that may include one or more of these treatment options.
Mild infection recovers within 2 weeks. Medication and therapies are necessary for severe cases. Bacterial or fungal meningitis is frequently life-threatening and requires urgent diagnosis and treatment.
Medication

Antibiotics: Bacterial meningitis is treated with intravenous antibiotics.

Cefotaxime . Ceftriaxone


Antifungals: Used to treat fungal infections.

Clotrimazole . Econazole . Miconazole . Terbinafine


Antivirals: Antivirals can be prescribed by doctor

Amantadine . Rimantadine . Oseltamivir . Zanamivir


Corticosteroids: Corticosteroids are prescribed for non-infectious type of meningitis.

Prednisolone . Triamcinolone . Methylprednisolone

Self-care

Always talk to your provider before starting anything.

  • Rest
  • Increase fluid intake

Nutrition

  • No foods are known to prevent or change the clinical course of meningitis. If suspected, urgent medical attention is vital.

Specialist to consult

Neurologist
Specializes in treating diseases of the nervous system, which includes the brain, the spinal cord, and the nerves.
Infectious Disease Specialist
Specializes in dealing with the diagnosis, control and treatment of infections.

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