Brain fever (Meningitis) depicts a medical disorder where a part of the brain becomes inflamed and induces signs that show as fever. Many guardians mistake the symptoms of brain fever and may delay treatment, resulting in fatal outcomes. Many parents conclude that any fever that lasts for a long time is a brain fever. Due to all these myths, it is vital to know the facts about brain fever. 

Different medical conditions responsible for brain fever (Dimagi Bukhar) include encephalitis and acute brain inflammation, which is commonly caused by a viral infection. Other types of brain fever include meningitis and the inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Cerebritis is inflammation of the cerebrum, whereas scarlet fever is an infectious disease whose symptoms can include paranoia and hallucinations. 

This blog will discuss meningitis, meningitis symptoms, meningitis causes, and its treatment.   

What is Meningitis? 

Meningitis, a brain fever-type, can impact people of any age. Yet, babies under 2 are at the max risk of acquiring meningitis. The baby can get meningitis when the bacteria, viruses, or a fungus infecting another part of the body traverses from the bloodstream to the brain and spinal cord.

What are the symptoms of meningitis? 

The symptoms of meningitis (Dimagi Bukhar) can come on very rapidly. The baby may be hard to relax, mainly when they're being held. Other symptoms in a baby may include:

• Developing a sudden high fever
• Not eating well
• Vomiting
• Being less enthusiastic or energetic than usual
• Being very tired or stiff to wake up
• Being more moody than usual
• Swelling of the soft spot on their head 

Other signs may be challenging to notice in a baby, such as:

• Intense headache
• Neck immobility
• Sensitiveness to bright light

Suffering from symptoms associated with meningitis. You can give #BasEkCalll at 88569-88569 for a Free teleconsultation with our expert Doctors. 

Various Causes of Meningitis

There are different reasons for meningitis, but the most common cause of meningitis is a viral infection, followed by bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. As bacterial infections can be life-threatening, identifying the cause is essential. The bacteria which enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord can induce acute bacterial meningitis. 

A bacterial infection can also occur when the infection directly invades the meninges. Such a condition is caused by an ear or sinus infection, a skull fracture, or surgery. The strains of bacteria may cause acute bacterial meningitis, most typically.

Streptococcus pneumonia (pneumococcus)

The pneumococcus bacterium is the most notable cause of bacterial meningitis (Dimagi Bukhar) in

•  Newborns
•  Young children
•  Adults. 

It generally causes pneumonia or ear ailments, and a vaccine can help prevent this infection. 

Neisseria meningitidis

Neisseria meningitides are one of the primary causes of bacterial meningitis. It typically causes an upper respiratory infection but can cause meningococcal meningitis when they enter the bloodstream. 

The infection is highly contagious that affects mainly teenagers and young adults. The infection may cause local epidemics in college dormitories, military bases and boarding schools. A vaccine can help control infection. Moreover, on being vaccinated, anybody in close contact with a person with meningococcal meningitis should receive an oral antibiotic to prevent the disease.

How to prevent meningitis? 

Bacterial meningitis can induce hearing loss, brain damage, other disabilities, and even death — and it's spreadable, potentially transferred through kissing or sharing close quarters with an infected individual. Some measures you can take to prevent meningitis.

1. Get Vaccinated

A strong immune system is a key to good health so the most practical way to prevent meningitis is to immunize against the disease. There are presently two vaccines available that protect against most bacterial meningitis. Those individuals heading to a college and living in a dorm should get up to date with immunizations. The vaccine to prevent meningitis should also be administered if you're traveling or planning to live in a country where bacterial meningitis is standard. Even getting vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox can help prevent diseases leading to viral meningitis.

2. Maintain social distancing from Infected People

The meningitis bacteria can also be noticed in the nose and throat. Secretions can also be flared through sneezing and coughing, and there is a probability of you getting meningitis if you're close to an infected person.  If someone is having a respiratory infection, maintain a social distance, i.e. keep at least 3 feet away to avoid any individual coughing.

3. Wash your Hand Consistently

Like cold and flu viruses, the viruses and bacteria liable for meningitis can get into your hands and mouth. It's important to wash hands regularly and frequently when you go to the bathroom, or when you have spent time in a crowded place where people are coughing consistently. You can use hot, soapy water, and be sure to get both the fronts and backs of your hands and each finger. It would be best to rub your hands together for 20 seconds, then flush and dry them with a clean towel. 

Treatment of Meningitis 

Treatment of meningitis depends on the cause. The best way to get your meningitis treated includes antimicrobial drugs. The doctor might also recommend corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the brain. When a doctor on diagnosis thinks that bacteria has caused brain fever  (Dimagi Bukhar), they treat the person with antibiotics immediately without waiting for test results as the brain fever progresses rapidly and is life-threatening.

Looking for preventive measures that can help fight meningitis. Contact Medpho on #BasEkCalll at 88569-88569 for a Free teleconsultation with our expert Doctors.