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Your brain and spinal cord are covered by in layers of tissue known as meninges. These membranes serve many functions, one of which is to prevent bacteria and viruses from penetrating into the delicate tissues of your central nervous system. On occasion however, it is possible for these membranes to become infected. These infections can be quite serious. They have a wide variety of causes, including bacteria. An infection of the meninges by bacteria is known as bacterial meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis can be a serious medical emergency. As such, it must be dealt with promptly and effectively in order to minimize the risk of complications. Severe cases of bacterial meningitis which are not dealt with effectively can cause death. Bacterial meningitis can also cause seizures, hearing loss, mental changes, and a wide variety of other complications.

So how do bacteria get to the meninges of your central nervous system? Any sort of head injury could allow bacteria to penetrate into your body and cause bacterial meningitis. In addition, it is possible for bacteria to travel from other parts of the body which have been infected. Infections of the ears, nose, throat, and lungs are frequent sources for infections which lead to bacterial meningitis.

People of any age are susceptible to bacterial meningitis infections. However, they are seen most commonly in children under the age of two, and in the elderly over the age of approximately 60. The specific bacteria which cause bacterial meningitis at each of these ages varies. A bacteria that an infant is susceptible to is often not the same bacteria that will cause meningitis in an adult. Your doctor will do tests to determine which bacteria is causing be bacterial meningitis. It is important to determine the specific bacteria, as that has a direct effect on the specific antibiotics which are used to fight the infection.

Symptoms

A person with bacterial meningitis will begin experiencing a fever, and a headache. Intermittent chills and sweating are quite common as well. Bacterial meningitis can make a person exquisitely sensitive to light. They will often be far more comfortable in a darkened room. Vomiting is not an uncommon symptoms. It is quite common to get a rash. Once the infection has become severe, a person will often experience confusion, irritability, and other mental status changes.

One of the hallmarks signs of bacterial meningitis is neck stiffness. Medically, this sign is known as nuchal rigidity. This sign can

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