மூளைக் காய்ச்சல் meningitis explanation in tamil/ medical awareness in tamil

#meningitis #மூளைக்காய்ச்சல் #brainfever #medicalawarenessintamil #kernig sign #brudzinskisign Meningitis is inflammation of the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. It is typically caused by a viral (most common) or bacterial infection, the latter of which is significantly more serious and can be fatal if untreated. Meningitis causes a headache, stiff neck, and fever, among other symptoms. It may produce more serious complications, such as seizures or loss of consciousness. Early diagnosis and accurate identification of the cause is important because management of the illness is directed by the symptom severity and the cause of the illness Symptoms of Meningitis Include: • Severe headaches; mild or moderate headaches can be early symptoms • Sensitivity to light with a headache • Stiff neck; children may arch back the head or complain of pain when attempting to bend the head towards the chest. • Fever, ranging from low-grade (around 100.5 degrees) to high-grade (over 104 degrees) • Irritability and restlessness • Fatigue or sleepiness • Nausea or vomiting • A rash, which is usually non-blanching (doesn't turn white when you press on it); more common with meningococcal meningitis • Seizures • Mental status changes, such as confusion, lethargy, delirium, hallucinations, or even coma Causes There are many different microorganisms that can cause meningitis. Viruses, bacteria, and fungi may all result in the condition. The most common causes are contagious infections, which can be spread through the exchange of respiratory droplets by coughing, sneezing, kissing, or touching contaminated objects Diagnosis • Physical examination: Your doctor will test for neck and back stiffness. Pain with the extension of your knee with a flexed hip (Kernig's sign) is considered supportive of the diagnosis of meningitis. Likewise, if passively or actively moving the head down toward your chest causes pain and makes your hips and knees flex (Brudzinski's sign), your doctor will suspect meningitis. • Imaging tests: Imaging tests of the central nervous system, such as a brain CT, brain MRI, or spine MRI may be particularly useful in the evaluation of meningitis. These tests can rule out other causes of neurological symptoms. They can often identify inflammation of the meninges. A brain CT or brain MRI is often needed to determine whether it is safe to do a lumbar puncture. • Lumbar puncture: A lumbar puncture is a procedure in which a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is removed so that it can be analyzed under the microscope and sent for a culture. The cerebrospinal spinal fluid is obtained by inserting a needle into an area in the lower back where fluid in the spinal canal is readily accessible. precaution These precautions are especially important for young babies, who may not show signs of meningitis early and who may suffer more complications: • Wash your hands often, especially when exposed to germs • Do not share personal hygiene items like toothbrushes • Disinfect surfaces regularly • Avoid close or prolonged contact with others who may have infections Vaccines that can help prevent meningitis include: • Hib • N. meningitidis • Streptococcus pneumoniae • Mumps • Herpes Zoster • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine