What happens when meninges are inflamed?

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Overview. Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord. The swelling from meningitis typically triggers signs and symptoms such as headache, fever and a stiff neck.

What causes the inflammation of the meninges of the spinal cord?

Inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges, may develop in response to a number of causes, most prominently bacteria and viruses, but also fungi, parasites, radiation, or neoplasm.

What is disorder of meninges?

Listen to pronunciation. (meh-NIN-jee-ul SIN-drome) A condition marked by headache, fever, and a stiff neck, which is caused when the meninges (three thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord) become irritated.

What are symptoms of spinal meningitis?

In adults, symptoms include:

Light sensitivity.
Drowsiness.
Fatigue.
Headache.
Fever.
Joint aches and pain.
Muscle spasm.
Pain that radiates from the spine.

Can MRI detect meningitis?

Routine contrast-enhanced brain MRI is the most sensitive modality for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis because it helps detect the presence and extent of inflammatory changes in the meninges, as well as complications.

Can CT scan detect meningitis?

The CT scan is a valuable tool in diagnosing meningitis. The contrast dye that is injected during the test can highlight brain, skull, and sinus inflammation- all complications and signs of meningitis.

What are the signs of meningeal irritation?

Meningism—a clinical syndrome of signs and symptoms that are suggestive of meningeal irritation. Symptoms may include headache, photophobia, neck stiffness and seizures. Signs may include nuchal rigidity, Kernig’s sign, Brudzinski’s sign or jolt accentuation headache.

Can you recover from spinal meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis often requires hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics for one to two weeks. Although this infection is very serious, many patients can make a full recovery if it’s treated right away.

How Serious Is Spinal Meningitis?

Spinal meningitis is an infection of the fluid and membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Once infection starts, it can spread rapidly through the body. Without treatment it can cause brain damage in a matter of hours and can be fatal within 24 hours.