Other names: meningeal signs

Inflammation of the lining of the brain (meningitis) is a serious bacterial disease. It can cause numerous types of bacteria, depending on age. Among the public, are the best known agents of Haemophilus influenzae in toddlers (were introduced blanket vaccination, because the incidence of disease caused by it is rapidly reduced) and Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus) in older children and young adults.

Development of symptoms is very fast, in a matter of hours, as well as quick to be diagnosed and therapeutic intervention. In cases of suspected meningitis summon an ambulance.

Development of the symptoms typical for meningitis may prevent respiratory diseases. Early symptoms include headache, intolerance to light, nausea and vomiting, or (when meningococcal infection) seed punctate skin rashes. Typical is drowsiness, impaired consciousness and coma, they can come changes in breathing (rhythm changes with the times bezdeší).

The key symptoms are not known. Symptoms of meningeal irritation of the meninges caused by ongoing inflammation. These include stiff neck (the patient rests his chin on his chest, so called. Opposition neck), further Amoss tripod (sick in bed occupies a sitting position with her hands on at the level of the back with knees bent) and Kernig flag (on changing position from lying to sitting patient involuntarily pokrčuje knees.

ATTENTION! Meningococcal disease is spread through the air, so everyone who the patient came into contact, should be examined and undergo hedging (prophylactic treatment) antibiotics.