🧠 Meningitis is a serious medical condition characterized by inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be life-threatening if not treated promptly, making early detection and intervention crucial. ✅Causes of Meningitis Meningitis can be caused by various infectious and non-infectious factors: 👉 Bacterial Meningitis (Medical Emergency) Common pathogens: Newborns: Group B Streptococcus, E. coli, Listeria monocytogenes Children & Adults: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenzae Elderly & Immunocompromised: Listeria monocytogenes 👉 Viral Meningitis (More common, usually self-limiting) Common viruses: Enteroviruses, Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Varicella-zoster virus (VZV), Mumps virus 👉 Fungal Meningitis (More common in immunocompromised individuals) Cryptococcus neoformans, Histoplasma capsulatum 👉 Parasitic & Other Causes Amoebic meningitis (Naegleria fowleri), tuberculosis meningitis, autoimmune or drug-induced meningitis. ✅Diagnosis of Meningitis ✔️Clinical Examination • Kernig’s Sign: Pain when extending the knee with a flexed hip • Brudzinski’s Sign: Involuntary hip & knee flexion when the neck is flexed ✔️ Lumbar Puncture (CSF Analysis) • Bacterial Meningitis: Increased WBCs, decreased glucose, increased protein • Viral Meningitis: Increased lymphocytes, normal glucose, mildly elevated protein ✔️3. Blood Tests & Cultures • CBC, blood cultures to identify causative organisms ✔️ Imaging (CT/MRI Brain) • Done if raised intracranial pressure is suspected before lumbar puncture. ✅Management & Treatment of Meningitis 🎯 Bacterial Meningitis (Medical Emergency) • Empirical IV Antibiotics (Based on age & suspected pathogen): • Elderly/Immunocompromised • Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation & prevent complications • Supportive Care: IV fluids, oxygen, seizure control, ICU monitoring if necessary 🎯Viral Meningitis • Mostly self-limiting; supportive treatment includes: • Rest, hydration, pain relief • Antivirals (Acyclovir for HSV-related cases) 🎯 Fungal Meningitis • Treated with prolonged antifungal therapy 🎯Tuberculous Meningitis • Anti-TB Medications • Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation. ✅Prevention of Meningitis 🔜Vaccination (Most Effective Prevention Method) • Pneumococcal Vaccine • Meningococcal Vaccine • Haemophilus Influenzae Type B (Hib) Vaccine 🔜 Good Hygiene Practices • Handwashing, covering mouth while sneezing/coughing 🔜 Prophylactic Antibiotics for Close Contacts ✅Lifestyle Tips for Seizure Prevention 🎯 Maintain a regular sleep schedule. 🎯 Manage stress with relaxation techniques. 🎯 Avoid known triggers (alcohol, flashing lights, dehydration). 🎯 Follow a healthy diet and stay hydrated. 👉 If you or a loved one notice symptoms like above , consult the Best Neurologist near you promptly. Early care can make a meaningful difference. 📍Dr. Advait Kulkarni (Neurologist, MBBS, DM) www.dradvaitkulkarni.com