Bacterial meningitis
From Health Encyclopedia
Contents |
Used for
Broader Terms
bacterial disease, infectious meningitis
Related Terms
Listeria, Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus agalactiae, Streptococcus pneumoniae
Scope Note
bacterial infections of the leptomeninges and subarachnoid space, frequently involving the cerebral cortex, cranial nerves, cerebral blood vessels, spinal cord and nerve roots; causative organism varies with age and clinical status (eg, postoperative, immunodeficient, posttraumatic states); clinical manifestations include the acute onset of fever, stiff neck, altered mentation, seizures, and focal neurologic deficits; death may occur within 24 hours of disease onset; pathologic features include a purulent exudate in the subarachnoid space, and diffuse inflammation of neural and vascular structures.
Facts (generated by robot; please edit if you find it inaccurate)
- Non-bacterial meningitis is often referred to as "aseptic meningitis.
- Bacterial meningitis is less common than viral meningitis but is usually much more serious and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.
- Bacterial meningitis is generally much more severe than simple viral meningitis because it can cause serious complications.
- Bacterial meningitis is very serious and may involve complicated medical, surgical, pharmaceutical, and life support management.
- Bacterial meningitis is often more severe than aseptic meningitis, particularly in infants and the elderly.
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