Understanding Meningitis Meningitis is the inflammation of the leptomeninges, which are protective membranes around the brain and spinal cord. It can be triggered by autoimmune diseases, adverse reactions to medication, or most commonly by infections like bacteria and viruses. The immune response floods the subarachnoid space with white blood cells causing classic symptoms such as headaches, fevers, and neck stiffness.
Causes and Diagnosis of Meningitis The causes of meningitis include bacteria (Group B streptococci in newborns), viruses (enteroviruses), fungi (Cryptococcus), tuberculosis bacteria, parasites (P. falciparum for malaria) etc., each leading to acute or chronic meningitis with distinct symptoms. Diagnosis involves physical exams including Kernig's sign and Brudzinski's sign along with a lumbar puncture to analyze CSF for white blood cells, protein levels,and glucose concentration.