Anyone can develop meningitis but the likelihood of the disease is higher among the elderly as well as the young children particularly infants. Teenagers and young adults are also at risk of developing the disease mainly because of meningococcal disease. Setting aside risks factors, the disease can still happen at any time of your life. There are several causes of meningitis and the most common culprits include bacteria, virus, fungi, reactions to medications and it is an occasional complication due to head or neck surgeries. The most common meningitis symptoms include headache, stiff neck and fever. Fortunately, there are available vaccines for children and adults that can prevent infections that lead to meningitis. Everyone is recommended to have vaccination for certain strains of bacterial infection. Vaccination is an excellent protection against meningitis but you need to remember that not all bacterial infections are prevented. People who have a weak immune system are more likely to be infected.
Meningitis is not a common disease but it can be deadly. As such, it is crucial to see a specialist as soon as you suspect meningitis symptoms. The complications due to meningitis can be severe which again highlights the importance of immediate treatment. Typically, cases of the disease are considered as an emergency condition because of the possible threat to life. The disease is diagnosed in the emergency department and not in the doctor’s office. If the condition remains untreated and undiagnosed for a long period of time then the higher the chances to develop severe complications. The patient may experience seizures and permanent brain damage. Other complications due to meningitis include hearing loss, blindness, speech problems, behavioral problems, paralysis, and kidney failure. For rare cases of meningitis, the bacterial infection can lead to swelling of the brain and it results to death within hours.