Inflammation of the cellular membranes of the spinal cord and the brain, which develops as a result of the multiplication of pathogenic microorganisms, is called bacterial meningitis. This disease is provoked by various types of microbes and rods. Particularly susceptible to this disease are people with weakened immune system, as well as patients of the surgical department who underwent surgery on the brain and abdominal cavity.
Symptoms of bacterial meningitis
The described inflammatory process develops sharply, but it takes some time to spread the pathogenic flora. The incubation period of bacterial meningitis is from 2 to 12 days, depending on the causative agent of the disease.
Then the following signs are observed:
- chills;
- hyperthermia up to 40 degrees;
- nasopharyngitis ;
- headache;
- vomiting;
- hyperesthesia;
- nausea;
- stiff neck.
Also present are the symptoms of meningitis characteristic of Brudzinsky and Kernig, the reflexes of Oppenhamp and Babinsky, hemorrhagic eruptions on the body.
How is bacterial meningitis transmitted?
This disease is spread by airborne droplets.
When coughing and sneezing, an infected person releases into the environment sputum particles containing a large number of pathogenic bacteria. Their inhalation leads to the fact that the microbes settle on the mucous membranes and gradually penetrate into the bloodstream, from where they enter the spinal cord and the brain.
Consequences of infection with bacterial meningitis
In severe cases of this pathology complications develop:
- swelling of the brain tissue;
- convulsions;
- coma;
- paresis or paralysis;
- defeat of cranial nerves;
- hydrocephalus;
- severe shortness of breath;
- pulmonary edema ;
- hallucinations and delirium;
- disturbance of brain activity.
With late treatment in the hospital or ineffective therapy, a fatal outcome is likely.