Treatment of serous meningitis. Causes and manifestations of the disease

The brain is covered with three membranes: firm, soft and vascular. The first two consist of different types of connective tissue, and the third is a network of smallest blood vessels. For resemblance to the finest cobweb, it is also called arachnoid (from the Latin "arachnid" - "spider"). For various reasons, all three membranes can become inflamed, but doctors use the term "meningitis" to designate the inflammation of the mild cerebral membrane.

Causes of meningitis

In the vast majority of cases, meningitis causes any infection (microbial, viral or fungal). In the first place among the pathogens of this disease is the bacterium meningococcus (its name speaks for itself). It should be noted that meningococcal infection can also occur as a common cold, it all depends on the state of body immunity. Other microorganisms can also cause inflammation of the meninges. Viral meningitis is often found - as secondary (in the form of complications of mumps, measles, rubella), and caused by bites of ticks. When a bite is infected with tick-borne encephalitis virus. Meningitis can be of two main types - purulent or serous. The latter is more common and in any case is a precursor of purulent. Know the signs of this disease is necessary to apply for medical help as early as possible, since the treatment of serous meningitis is possible only in conditions of a special department.

Manifestations of serous meningitis

The main symptoms: a sudden onset of the illness with a sharp rise in temperature against a background of compulsive, repeated vomiting without relief, as well as a severe headache. Over time, consciousness may break down, cramps may begin, and a rash may occur throughout the body for several hours. Usually a sick person takes a forced position, which is very characteristic: the head is thrown back because of the strong tension of the occipital muscles, the back is arched, the legs are bent and brought to the drawn belly. It is the excessive tension of the occipital muscles that is a typical symptom of meningitis - due to so-called rigidity, it is impossible to press the chin to the chest. Treatment of serous meningitis needs to start immediately, there are no folk and home remedies here (they are the right way to death). You need immediate treatment in the hospital!

In a hospital, the main method of diagnosing meningitis is lumbar (puncture) puncture, as a result of which a certain amount of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is extracted and examined. Likvor with serous meningitis under high pressure follows, there is cytosis (increased cell content per unit volume), lymphocytosis, a positive sedimentary reaction, a sharp deviation from normal levels of protein, glucose and chloride.

Treatment and prevention of serous meningitis

Treatment of serous meningitis is primarily aimed at combating the pathogen. Therefore, antibiotics (intramuscular or intravenous) will almost always be prescribed. The second component of treatment is symptomatic therapy. To reduce pain due to increased intracranial pressure, elimination of cerebral disorders are prescribed diuretics (diuretics). To reduce the symptoms of intoxication, infusion therapy is performed. At the same time, the scheme and preparations are carefully selected so that the therapeutic effect is there, and there is no additional accumulation of fluid in the body.

If serous meningitis occurs, complications should be prevented with thoroughness. The greatest danger is the transition of inflammation into a purulent form.

Treatment of serous meningitis can include various additional drugs that improve blood flow to the brain, normalizing the composition and characteristics of cerebrospinal fluid, increasing immunity.

Avoiding the disease allows a healthy lifestyle, hygiene (personal and nutrition), drinking only boiled water, careful treatment of all colds. Care must be taken to walk in nature: to protect yourself from tick bites, you must wear clothes that completely cover your arms and legs and have cuffs, avoid bushes, and after returning from a walk carefully examine the skin. An important aspect is vaccination. A number of vaccinations (pneumo- and meningococcal, CDS, etc.) are the prevention of meningitis.