What Causes Bacterial Meningitis?

Answer 1

I had spinal meningitis when I was two years old. I was in a coma sixteen days and kidneys down thirteen. My right foot developed gaing green and they wanted to amputate my toes. Mom said no and asked if there was anything else they could try. They tried the stuff that used to be used on men's feet in Vietnam, a topical I think. It worked. I lived and have my feet. I did have a toe straightened when I grew older. Anyway, if it helps anyone, that's my story.

Comments

Thanks for the info.

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I had Spinal Meningitis when was 7 years old (1960) and hospitalized for about 2 months and was told I would never walk again and also contagious.  I was in a room all by myself.  I was not in a Children's hospital because they could not take care of me due to the state I was in.  I was completely paralyzed from head to toe.  Lab work was taken, brain scans, fluid taken from my spine, I never felt anything.  Lots of brain tests were taken during the stay in the hospital, lots of meds and basically just physical therapy a d lots of heat put on my body. Visiting time, my family had to visit me outside my window talking on a telephone. I cried everyday while in this huge hospital, located downtown Los Angeles off of Soto street.  Finally released after getting my strength back and tried to go back to school and no school would allow me to go back in so I had to go to a handicapped school for awhile.  I finally got my strength back fully and here today going to Zumba and Aqua fit exercise.  This is my story at 66 years old.❤

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I can't imagine life without my family around...you are so brave and tough! God bless you.

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I am proud of you! You are a fighter!

Answer 2

I had spinal meningitis when I was two years old. I was in a coma sixteen days and kidneys down thirteen. My right foot developed gaing green and they wanted to amputate my toes. Mom said no and asked if there was anything else they could try. They tried the stuff that used to be used on men's feet in Vietnam, a topical I think. It worked. I lived and have my feet. I did have a toe straightened when I grew older. Anyway, if it helps anyone, that's my story.

Comments

Thanks for the info.

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Thank you so much for that I remember my sister had it when she was a child ..she was in the hospital for awhile what causes this.?

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Either viral or bacterial infection.

Viral Meningitis is caused by:

Enterovirus class viruses
Coxsackievirus A
Coxsackievirus B
Echoviruses

Other type of viruses which can cause meningitis include:

West Nile virus
Influenza, HIV
Herpes Virus, etc


Most common types of bacterial species that cause bacterial meningitis are:

Streptococcus pneumonia – causes pneumococcal meningitis
Neisseria mengitidis – causes meningococcal meningitis
Listeria monocytogens
Heamophilus influenza

Bacterial infection is more dangerous.

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There are several types of meningitis. The most common is viral meningitis. You get it when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be deadly. It usually starts with bacteria that cause a cold-like infection.

Anyone can get meningitis, but it is more common in people with weak immune systems.

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Can you get menegitis again if you survived it once?

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Yes. Similarly, if you had pneumonia once, you could get it again.

Answer 3

The bacteria most often responsible for bacterial meningitis are common in the environment and can also be found in your nose and respiratory system without causing any harm.

Sometimes meningitis occurs for no known reason. Other times it occurs after a head injury or after you have had an infection and your immune system is weakened.

Children between the ages of 1 month and 2 years are the most susceptible to bacterial meningitis.

Adults with certain risk factors are also susceptible. You are at higher risk if you abuse alcohol, have chronic nose and ear infections, sustain a head injury or get pneumococcal pneumonia.

You are also at higher risk if you have a weakened immune system, have had your spleen removed, are on corticosteroids because of kidney failure or have a sickle cell disease.

Additionally, if you have had brain or spinal surgery or have had a widespread blood infection you are also a higher risk for bacterial meningitis.