Condition

What Is Spinal Meningitis

Jan 09, 2023

Meningitis is often associated with the brain. However, spinal cord involvement has also been documented. When the meninges, which surround and protect the brain and spinal cord, become infected, a condition known as spinal meningitis can develop.

Sneezing, chatting, kissing, or sharing food or beverages can all spread germs that cause it from person to person.

Meningitis can be caused by the same viruses and bacteria that trigger other diseases like mumps and measles. Due to the proximity of the brain and spinal cord, infections can spread easily across the two regions or remain localized in one.

The Meninges: What Are They?

The meninges are membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord and provide protection. They have three distinct layers:

  • Pia mater: A fragile inner cell layer
  • Arachnoid mater, which is a layer of connective tissue in the body's midsection
  • Dura mater: A thick, tough layer on the outside

When a virus, bacterium, or other infection penetrates the layers of the meninges and triggers the immune system, spinal meningitis can occur. Usually, the organisms that cause spinal meningitis are harmlessly resident in the nasal and throat passages.

Even when exposed to these dangerous bacteria, most individuals never become ill. Before the meninges are infected, the immune system generates antibodies to fend off the illness. Unfortunately, some aren't that fortunate, which leaves them open to the disease. Brain and spinal tissue infected by one of these diseases will enlarge and restrict blood flow to the brain.

Which Common Forms of Spinal Meningitis Exist?

Spinal meningitis often manifests in one of two forms in the United States:

Viral Meningitis:

Common enteroviruses cause viral meningitis by entering the body through the mouth, then spreading to the brain and spinal cord. However, meningitis can also be caused by other viruses, including the mumps virus, herpes viruses.

Bacterial Meningitis:

Invasion of pathogenic bacteria into the meninges causes this kind of spinal meningitis. Unlike viral meningitis, this one can be lethal if left untreated.

How Do You Recognize Spinal Meningitis?

Spinal meningitis can result in various symptoms, whether caused by bacteria or viruses.

    • Fever
    • Fatigue
    • Rash
    • Pain in the neck and back
    • Sensitivity to light
    • Nausea

Can Spinal Meningitis Cause Any Complications?

The effects of an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord can be devastating, ranging from temporary impairment to total disability or even death. Everyone who thinks they could have meningitis should be checked out by a doctor.

Don't hold out hope that you or your child will feel better. Meningitis of the Spine can rapidly worsen and cause significant complications. The smallest data might be crucial in guiding your doctor's next course of action, particularly with young infants.

Can Spinal Meningitis Happen to Anyone?

When and how does one get meningitis of the spinal cord? The chance of getting this disease increases with age, immunological condition, living in a group setting, and immune system impairment.

There is a higher risk of viral meningitis in children younger than 5 years old and persons with compromised immune systems due to illness, medication, or recent organ or bone marrow transplants.

Viral meningitis is especially dangerous for infants younger than a month old and those with compromised immune systems. Most cases of viral meningitis are mild, thankfully. The typical pediatric recovery time is about two weeks.

Children under the age of two, as well as people with compromised immune systems due to HIV/AIDS, diabetes, steroid usage, or chemotherapy, are at higher risk for developing bacterial meningitis.

Treatment Options For Spinal Meningitis

Some forms of viral meningitis may respond to antiviral treatment. Meningitis pharmaceutical options may expand in the future. Medical professionals often advise bed rest, large amounts of water, and pain relievers to treat viral meningitis.

There is medicine to combat bacterial spinal meningitis. In hospitals, patients get intravenous antibiotics to combat the sickness. However, every year, around 10% of children with bacterial meningitis don't make it. Even with prompt antibiotic treatment, a youngster may still fall victim to the bacterium.

Meningococcus is particularly insidious because it may secrete a poison into circulation, quickly spreading throughout the body and resulting in a child's or teenager's death. For this and other major reasons, preventing bacterial meningitis is preferable to treating it later.

Can You Spread Meningitis From Your Spine?

This is why it's so important to practice proper hygiene and avoid spreading germs like bacterial and viral meningitis by avoiding sharing food, drinks, utensils, or lip balm. However, one of the most essential things parents can do to protect their children against the bacterial forms of the disease is to obtain the required vaccines.