Meningitis - an acute infectious lesion of the brain envelopes. The disease is characterized by rapid progression. Therefore, it is desirable to know what are the signs of meningitis in adults, in order to provide the necessary assistance in a timely manner.
Types of pathology
Depending on the type of pathogen distinguish meningitis of bacterial and viral origin. I must say, the signs of viral meningitis in adults are not as severe as in the bacterial form. Most often, the cause of the pathology in this case are herpes viruses, enteroviruses, the virus of mumps. There is a pathology among patients with diagnosed HIV. Identify the symptoms of serous (viral) meningitis in children and adults not older than 30 years.
Bacterial form is extremely difficult. The disease leads to:
- infection with meningococci;
- decreased immune defense;
- an allergic reaction to chemical irritants, including some pharmacological drugs;
- complications after a surgical operation in the brain, neck and face.
The cause of the pathology can be ordinary furunculosis, since the infection can spread along with the current of lymph and blood in the body. Signs of meningitis in adults are often detected after hypothermia leading to serious diseases of the upper respiratory tract. In this case, meningitis becomes a secondary infection. Signs of meningitis in women are sometimes detected after delivery as a result of infection with group B streptococcus, as well as in newborns.
The first signs of meningitis in an adult
To have an idea of the pathology, you should carefully study its symptoms. Despite the differences in the causes, all types of meningitis combine the presence of characteristic signs:
- A feverish state, in which the temperature can rise to 40 degrees. The person experiences a strong chill.
- Vomiting attacks quickly lead to exhaustion, since they do not depend on food intake and are indomitable. Vomiting does not bring any relief to a person.
- Loud sounds and bright light become annoying factors. Therefore, the patient often "hides" the head under the blanket.
- Cefalgia is harsh. In this case, the headache increases with the slightest movement. It is not possible to establish the localization of the symptom, since the patient complains of pain throughout the head.
- The rehydration of muscular tissues in the occiput is noted. A person experiences a restriction in the movements of the head.
- Meningitis leads to confusion, hallucinations.
- There may be a skin rash that disappears within a few hours or days.
- When the cranial nerves are affected, strabismus develops.
- There are muscle pains, as the condition worsens, convulsions begin.
- With an unfavorable prognosis, after a few days a coma with paralysis of the eye muscles and facial nerves comes.
Depending on the form of the disease develops within a few hours or 6 weeks.
With adequate and timely treatment, meningitis in adults has favorable predictions. However, in the absence of timely therapy, a lethal outcome is possible, as well as complications in the form of sepsis , hydrocephalus, and damage to internal organs. Often, meningitis leads to a violation of visual and auditory functions.