What is the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis?

viral and bacterial meningitis have different causes - the virus causes one and bacteria causes the other, as their names indicate. However, the most important difference between viral and bacterial meningitis is the severity of the disease. Someone suffering from viral meningitis usually improves, even without treatment. Bacterial meningitis is considered an emergency condition, usually requires immediate hospitalization and treatment of antibiotics. There is still a possibility of brain damage or even death in treatment.

Meningitis is an infection of meninging, which are membranes that obscure the brain and spinal cord. Most cases are caused by bacteria or viruses, although in rare events it may cause drugs or environmental chemicals. Two main types of meningitis are viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis. This type of meningitis usually does not lead to serious disease. In more extreme cases, the patient may show prolonged fever and seizures. Many people never realize that they have viral meningitis, thereforethat symptoms are often very similar to flu symptoms.

Acute bacterial meningitis is a much more serious condition and requires medical attention. The bacteria enter the bloodstream, sometimes because of the ear or sinus infection or the skull fracture and migrate into the brain and spinal cord. Early detection and treatment are essential.

symptoms are similar to viral and bacterial meningitis. Adults and children commonly show headaches, high fever and stiff neck. They could also suffer from nausea, vomiting, light sensitivity, disorientation and drowsiness.

Infants are not present with the same symptoms and are often difficult to diagnose. They could show irritability or lethargy and have reduced appetite. Later, infected individuals of all age groups can proceed to seizures.

Doctors use several techniques to diagnose viral and bacterial meningitis. Along with the physical test thatOne hundred focuses on looking for symptoms of infection in the spine and around the head, ears and neck, there are specific diagnostic tests that can be performed. One common procedure is the overall protein test of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which measures the amount of protein in cerebrospinal fluid. This is done using a lumbar puncture, commonly referred to as a backbone tap. The abnormal amount of protein in the collected sample shows the possibility of meningitis infection.

viral and bacterial meningitis are contagious. The infection can pass cough, sneezing and other close contact. Prevention is best performed through the practices of safe hygiene. There are also vaccines for some tribes of bacterial meningitis.