Click to play videoNew Delhi: Four years ago around this time an epidemic hit Delhi which killed about 20 people. The culprit was Meningitis.
Dr Romel Tickoo tells all about this disease and how to stay safe in this season.
A bacterial fungal or viral infection can leave one vulnerable to Meningitis, which literally means an inflammation of the membranes and fluid surrounding your brain and spinal cord.
The swelling could lead to symptoms like –
- Headache
- Fever
- Stiff neck
- Vomiting or nausea
- Seizures
- Skin rashes
Babies are particularly at risk and the symptoms that parents need to watch out for are –
- Constant crying
- Excessive sleepiness or Irritability
- Bulge on top the child's head
- Permanent brain damage
- Hearing loss
- Blindness
- Loss of speech
- Learning disabilities
- Behavior problems
- Paralysis
- Kidney failure
- Death.
It is very important to go to a doctor as soon as the disease is detected. That is because viral meningitis may improve with bed rest and pain killers, but bacterial meningitis is serious. It will require anti-biotic and even surgery in extreme cases.
Remember a delay in treatment can lead to –
As always prevention is better than cure. Personal hygiene is the best defense. Some forms of bacterial meningitis can also be prevented with vaccinations starting as early as two months up to 18 years of age for adults.
Consult a doctor to learn more about these vaccines.
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