Meningitis. Symptoms in adults, how to recognize symptoms without a fever, rash, causes, tests, treatment

Meningitis can recognize infectious disease. The disease is inherent in a long incubation period. Symptoms in adults are developing with rapid speed. If you suspect a pathology require emergency medical care. Pathology can lead to serious complications like, as well as disability and even death.

What is meningitis

Meningitis - a disease, suggesting an inflammation of the brain and spinal cord. Basal relates migraine symptoms, fever, confusion, sensitivity to light and sound, numbness in her neck.

The main instigators are the viruses, infections and fungi. Often, the disease becomes a complication of an infectious nature of the disease. therapy is based on an intake antibacterial, antiviral or antifungal agents in a hospital.

Most often, the disease affects men and children. The incidence rate increases during the fall and winter. Infection is the leading factors hypothermia, temperature jumps, vitamin deficiency. Also, researchers noted the cyclical disease. In their observations of the flash activated once in 10-15 years.

Types of Meningitis in adults

Meningitis symptoms in adults (how to recognize, you can consult with your doctor) that points to its severity, it is classified in the set of features - etiology, flow rate, nature and cause of the symptoms infection.

According to the etiology of meningitis is divided into the following categories:

1. Primary. He provoked by infection, penetrating into the brain membranes.
2. Secondary. It acts as a complication of the disease caused by infection.

Also, the disease is classified according to the rate of development:

1. Reactive form. They bring rapid development. In the role of provocateurs are such infections like pneumococcus, streptococcus, meningococcus. Also, disease can develop as a complication of otitis media, sinusitis and pneumonia, other pathologies. Usually leads to death within days.
2. The acute form. Provoked by purulent infection. The disease is inherent in the rapid rise in body temperature. The event of failure of the medical pathology can lead to death.
3. Subacute form. She is inherent sluggish. Symptomatology increases slowly for a month.
4. The chronic form. Proceeds latently in the benign form. Duration of disease from one month to 25 years, after which the symptoms appear suddenly stops.

Due to the development distinguish the following varieties:

1. Tuberculosis. He provoked the tubercle bacillus. In most cases, the pathology receives subacute or chronic form. This type of meningitis is not contagious.
2. Viral. In the role of provocateur stands herpes virus or mumps.
3. Bacterial. Provoked by staphylococci, E. coli, meningococcus and other pathogenic flora.

By the nature of the disease is divided into the following categories:

1. Purulent. This severe pathology. Provocateurs are the meningococcal bacteria. Accumulation of pus causes a sharp deterioration of the general condition and the rapid spread of infection of the blood.
2. Meningococcal. Infection gets into the tissues of the basal and convex areas of the brain. lining of the brain swells, it provokes violation of the functionality of the internal organs. This condition can lead to death of the patient.
3. Serous. When inflammation in the spinal cord and the brain is marked increase in lymphocytes.
4. Fungal. Provocateurs are such fungi like Candida and fungal infections.
5. Mixed. Trigger in this case is parallel to the exposure to bacteria and viruses.

Stage and grade of meningitis in adults

Disease characterized by staging. When infectious form subdivided three main phases.

Stage	symptoms
The first stage	Increased intracranial pressure, confusion, decreased reflexes, tachyarrhythmia, apnea, seizures.
The second stage	The lack of reaction to the pain, areflexia, bradycardia or tachyarrhythmia.
The third stage	Loss of consciousness.

Unlike bacterial meningitis is accompanied by a variety of viral serous inflammation.

Stage	symptoms
The first stage	Education serous effusion, thickening of the membranes of the brain.
The second stage	Swelling in the meninges.
The third stage	Violation of cerebrospinal fluid outflow, increased intracranial pressure, migraine, coma.

Meningitis symptoms in adults (how to recognize their own, tell the therapist), which differ by stage, fungal meningitis infection occurs due to immune deficiency. Often this type of disease are sick with HIV infected people. Fungal meningitis is inherent in the process of serous inflammation.

Stage	symptoms
The first stage	Thickening mater tissue.
The second stage	Petechial outpouring of blood.
The third stage	Inflammation cerebral substance encephalitis development, the proliferation of inflammation in spinal cord.

Signs of the disease in the form of tuberculosis is increasing constantly. The incubation period is up to 6 weeks.

Stage	symptoms
The first stage	Apathy, irritability, insomnia, loss of appetite.
The second stage	Migraine, fever, muscle stiffness.
The third stage	Vomiting, coma.

Often TB form is fatal. It is caused by paralysis of the respiratory centers.

Symptoms of meningitis in adults

Usually, when development of the disease appear the following symptoms of disease:

• asthenia;
• myalgia;
• noise in ears;
• fever;
• intense headache;
• photophobia;
• skin rash;
• gastrointestinal function disorder;
• impaired consciousness;
• persistent vomiting;
• strabismus;
• seizures;
• muscle rigidity;
• jitters;
• dizziness;
• chills.

Meningitis symptoms in adults (how to recognize, assist the above-mentioned features) is different different origin, the infectious form is characterized by sudden onset with a sharp increase of symptoms.

Often the disease is disguised as a common cold, so in the early stages of diagnosis may be incorrect. Symptomatology of meningitis depends on the particular bacterium, virus or fungus, which act as the pathogen.

The causes of meningitis in adults

Serous or viral type is triggered by viral microorganisms. The most common form is considered to be Enterovirus meningitis. It develops when the penetration in the digestive tract. It features high contagious. risk group are older people, and persons with weakened immune systems.

With the development of bacterial meningitis to say about the penetration into the body of meningococcal infection. This kind of disease is medically known as purulent. It has a high level of infectiousness.

Infectious form is triggered by non-specific bacteria. Most often it triggered delayed therapy and bacterial respiratory diseases. Sometimes it appears as a complication of pneumonia. Is relatively non-contagious form.

Tuberculous meningitis could be seen as a complication of primary TB infection, but the pathology is characterized by several features. In some cases, it acts as the primary species.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis have the ability to affect all tissues and organs. risk are patients with cancer, HIV-infected, as well as patients suffering from beriberi.

When a fungal form of pathology as activators act pathogenic and pathogenic fungi. Infection occurs droplets and household by. Among fungal pathogens form it should be noted Cryptococcus, Candida, coccidia.

Diagnosis of meningitis in adults

Meningitis symptoms in adults (how to recognize - help diagnostics) are determined for suspected pathology, revealed by instrumental and laboratory tests.

Among them we should mention:

1. Lyubmalnuyu puncture. Through this method, health workers get samples of cerebrospinal fluid. The procedure is in the lumbar puncture. It is performed under local anesthesia.
2. Blood analysis. Blood is taken from a finger or a vein. In some cases, carried out blood cultures for sterility.
3. Analysis of urine. Detects an infection in the urinary tract.
4. A biopsy. It is used to differentiate the diagnosis of rash with other skin rashes. Specialist removed the skin layer for further study of histology.
5. CT and MRI can diagnose the complications of the disease that affects the brain.
6. Radiography. Performed to identify foci of infection in the lungs or the paranasal sinuses.

The most productive method of diagnosis is considered a blood test.

blood cultures make it possible to detect the presence of pneumococci and meningococci. It is to increase the regularity of leukocytes. Method is one of the most informative, as it allows to determine the nature of the occurrence of pathogens.

A high degree of reliability of different fence liquor. Through the study of changes in the cerebrospinal fluid doctors identify purulent and serous kind of pathology, set the pathogen.

The set of received indicators in the laboratory is straight base formulation correct diagnosis. CT, MRI and X-rays act as additional diagnostic units.

The average price for a blood test in Russia is 890 rubles. In Moscow, a similar service offered by the Center of Molecular Diagnostics. The cost of a skin biopsy is 745 rubles. Analysis of the liquor is 1190 rubles.

When to see a doctor

Recognize the disease for suspected meningitis development can only be a specialist. Since the aetiology of disease is an infection, treatment is carried out under conditions of infectious hospital.

Diagnostic measures and treatment should be initiated as early as possible, since the pathology is fraught with dangerous complications. When the first symptoms in adults should call an ambulance and hospitalization of the sick person to the hospital.

Seek medical attention if the following symptoms:

• temperature rise;
• migraine;
• frequent vomiting;
• asthenia;
• loss of consciousness.

As the disease progresses the overall human condition worsens. He has a delirium, paresis, seizures, paralysis of the muscles.

Prevention of meningitis in adults

In order to prevent TIP:

1. Personal hygiene. You should carefully wash their hands, vegetables, fruit dishes, ventilate the premises.
2. Eat a balanced diet.
3. Tempering body.
4. Taking vitamin complexes.
5. Ensure that to on the skin did not tick.
6. When taking epidemic acute respiratory disease antiviral agents.

In the presence of organized groups of meningitis infection should apply emergency notification in the sanitary epidemiological service. Such a measure will make it possible to effectively control the epidemic.

Quarantine involves:

1. Timely detection and isolation of the sick person.
2. Examination of persons who had contact with an infected person.
3. Bacteriological research in teams
4. Announcement of quarantine in those institutions where there were cases of disease for at least 10 days from the time of the outbreak of the epidemic.
5. Conducting ongoing and general disinfection of premises and utensils.
6. Processing facilities by UV lamps.
7. Adherence to wear masks.
8. Prohibition visiting crowded places.

epidemic also requires medical prophylaxis. If the fixed contact with an infected person with meningitis or encephalitis tick bite, the prescriber.

Usually shows:

1. Immunomodulators. Relevant for children up to 3 years. In this case, the drug is injected once intramuscularly with a subsequent transition to Interferon. injection rate is 7 days.
2. Antibiotics. Taken in parallel with an anti-virus. Effective combination in this case is Doxycycline and Jodantipyrin.

Dosage, duration of therapy and the necessary diagnostic measures appointed expert.

Also, in order to prevent the disease being vaccinated. Most infections, provoking meningitis, included in the list of scheduled vaccinations.

There are some categories of people for whom vaccination is a necessary preventive measure:

• children aged from 2 months to 8 years;
• employees of medical institutions;
• employees of educational institutions;
• food industry workers;
• sellers;
• students of schools and universities.

Methods of treatment of meningitis in adults

An integrated approach in the treatment of disease involves the use of causal treatment. Drugs that promote the destruction of infection, injected into a vein. the event also provided, designed to detoxify the body and control brain swelling.

Medications

In the treatment of purulent meningitis forms used ceftriaxone, gentamicin, ampicillin. Typically, the combined two drugs.

When administered intravenously Gentamicin single dose of 1-1.7 mg / kg, a daily dosage of 3-5 mg / kg. Drug administration is carried out 2-4 times per day. Duration of treatment is 7-10 days. The cost of 10 vials of the drug is from 30 to 50 rubles. depending on the brand manufacturer.

Viral meningitis therapy involves the use of acyclovir, immunoglobulins, Zidovudine.

Adult patients shown immunoglobulin in a dose of 25-50 ml. The drug is not diluted. intravenous speed of 30-40 drops per minute. The norm of the drug is established specialist. Usually given 3-10 infusions per day. The cost of the drug is from 899 to 13 500 rubles. depending on the dose.

Treatment of tuberculous meningitis origin carried kanamycin, rifampicin, pyrazinamide. Kanamycin usual intravenous dose of 15 mg / kg / day. (30 minutes). The maximum daily dose is 1 mg. Treatment duration was 7 days. The cost of one vial - 10 rubles.

Folk remedies

Treatment of meningitis folk remedies is only possible in the case. If they act as a supplement to the main drug treatment. In any case, you should consult with a specialist.

For the treatment of viral meningitis is taken on the basis of broth linden. It has anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect. In addition, it enhances immunity.

To prepare the broth takes 1/4 cup of lime blossom. He poured boiling water. The mixture was infused for 10-15 minutes. Consume 1/2 cup three times a day

Relief patient infected with bacterial meningitis form, is achieved by the use of infusion lavender. Three teaspoons of dried flowers of the plant are filled with 400 ml of boiling water. Flask 1 glass used in the mornings and evenings.

Relief patient with serous form is achieved by mint medicine. For its preparation is taken 20g lemon balm mint leaf, fruit of coriander. Collect poured 200 ml of alcohol, diluted to 250 mL of water. The mixture was infused for 2 days. Based on it, make a compress, which are applied to the temples and neck.

For the treatment of tuberculosis used form based on decoction of wormwood. Take 2 tbsp. l. grass. They are filled with 50 ml of boiling water. The resulting mixture was infused for 2 h and filtered. Accepted infusion of 50 mL 4 times per day.

As adjunctive therapy is recommended the use of tinctures based poppy. Poppy seeds ground into a powder. Take 2 tsp powder and a glass of warm milk. The ingredients are mixed and insist in a thermos overnight. Medicine take 1 tbsp. l. three times a day for an hour before a meal.

In the treatment of meningitis used cranberry infusion. It eliminates pain and reduces the temperature. Cranberry - a great way to eliminate fever. One tablespoon of the fruit is ground in a mortar and 200 ml of boiling water is poured. The mixture is brewed in a thermos for 4-5 hours, then filtered. Means to drink 75 ml three times a day.

It has proven itself a decoction of rose hips. It eliminates migraine headaches, improves the general condition of the body, eliminates asthenia and apathy. Take 1 tbsp. l. rosehip berries. They pour 2 cups of boiling water. The mixture was boiled and infused hours, then filtered. The medicine is taken twice a day for 100 ml.

Other methods

Detoxification therapy and removal of shock involves intravenous infusion of glucose and detoxification of solutions with vitamins and corticosteroids.

Typically used prednisolone. Standard therapy for eliminating shock involves administering the drug at a dose of 50-150 mg. In severe condition of the patient the dose is increased to 400 mg. Repeated administration is carried out in 3-4 hours. The daily dose is from 300 to 1200 mg. The cost of 10 vials of 1 mg of the preparation is 350 rubles.

For the purpose of prevention of brain edema use drugs such as Diakarb or Lasix. When edema moderate severity Lasix initial dose for adult patients is 20-40 mg intravenously. When persistent edema dose rises to 60 mg. Intravenous administration is carried out 1-2 times a knock. The cost of 10 ampoules of 2 mg of 96 rubles.

Symptomatic therapy involves the use of antipyretic and anticonvulsant drugs, and drugs that contribute to the maintenance of heart activity.

Typically, the critical condition of the patient is stabilized after a week. Thereafter assigned antibiotic therapy.

possible complications

Meningitis is a serious pathology that can trigger a number of serious complications. Most often in patients with this diagnosis appear focal neurological signs such as paresis, impaired eye movement disorder hearing aid.

Squeezing and inflammation in the blood vessels can provoke a brain hemorrhage. In addition, bacterial meningitis can cause shock, disseminated intravascular coagulation, deep vein thrombosis, endocarditis, respiratory distress syndrome.

The lack of timely medical care could trigger a dangerous condition:

1. Toxic shock. He assumes a reduction in blood pressure, shortness of breath, photophobia, agitation, replaced by immobility, total lethargy and coma.
2. Encephalitis. Complication involves the weakening of muscle tone, seizures, curvature of the face, confusion, speech.
3. Swelling of the brain. When it occurs, loss of consciousness, jumps in blood pressure, irregular heart beat, shortness of breath, fluid accumulation in the lungs.
4. Fatal outcome. To it causes toxic shock, accompanied by edema of the brain.

The consequences of meningitis even at the time of the therapy can be very serious and lead to patient disability.

After a previous infection can be diagnosed:

• hearing loss;
• loss of vision;
• paresis;
• paralysis;
• arachnoiditis;
• hydrocephalus.

Recognize and not run the disease at the first sign will be able infectious diseases. How long will the disease be treated? Symptoms in adults are removed for a long time. Treatment of meningitis complications often makes it impossible to restore the lost functions of the body.

Registration of the article: Mila Friedan

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