Meningitis
By: Anna Frazier
Brad Pitt
In 2005, Brad Pitt checked into the hospital for flu-like symptoms and didn't check out till Wednesday, and was diagnosed with mild viral meningitis.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is an illness where there is inflammation on of the tissues on the brain and spinal cord. The most common type of meningitis is viral, and it is caused by an inflection with one of several types of viruses, fungi, or bacteria. Some of the symptoms of meningitis are, fever, severe or persistent headaches, neck stiffness, nausea and vomiting, confusion or disorientation, drowsiness, sensitivity to light, poor appetite.
Where does Meningitis happen?
Meningitis occurs on the tissue of the brain and spinal cord, which affects the nervous system and some of the brain. Some of the after affects are memory loss, clumsiness, hearing problems or deafness, learning disabilities, seizures or epilepsy, speech problems, and loss of sight.
Who can get it, and Why they get it?
Young children and infants, or people with weak immune systems are at a higher risk or getting meningitis than healthy adults. Many of the people who get meningitis can have ear infections or it comes after the flu.
Treatment
People with meningitis should get bed rest, drink plenty of fluids, take over the counter pain relievers to reduce fever and body aches. A doctor may make you take corticosteroids to reduce swelling in the brain.
Fun Facts
- Meningitis kills or disables around 1.2 million people worldwide each year.