Meningitis

Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, the three membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. People of any age can get it, although it is most common in infants and children younger than five, young adults between the ages of 17 and 25, and adults 55 and older. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and rarely, by a fungus or by complications from surgery. Most cases are viral and clear up on their own, but bacterial meningitis is far more serious and can even cause death if not treated.

Meningitis causes the following symptoms in children and young adults:

• High fever
• Severe headache or stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light
• Confusion
• Seizures
• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Vomiting
• Loss of consciousness
• Skin rash (meningococcal meningitis only)

Older adults typically have no symptoms except for lethargy and a change in their mental states.

Meningitis and Surgery

At The Bonati Institute, we offer endoscopic spinal procedures that carry a number of benefits to patients. For example, there is a reduced bleeding and healing time, along with less trauma to healthy tissue. With the tiny incisions we make, there is much less risk of infections such as meningitis.

Meningitis sometimes causes long-term damage like hearing loss and partial loss of vision. It can also lead to foraminal narrowing, a narrowing in the spinal openings through which nerve roots pass. One of the procedures we do at The Bonati Institute can open up these narrowed openings, relieving nerve compression and the pain it causes. We welcome your questions and can even provide references of patients we have helped. Please contact us today for more information.