Recognizing the symptoms of meningitis in adults is crucial for preventing and effectively addressing the disease before it worsens. Meningitis can affect anyone, but recognizing the symptoms specifically in adults can aid in early diagnosis and treatment.
Furthermore, understanding prevention methods with meningitis vaccines at healthcare facilities will protect the friends of Tirta from meningitis.
Symptoms of Meningitis in Adults
Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes lining the brain and spinal cord. This condition can be fatal and requires immediate medical attention. Here are the symptoms of meningitis in adults:
1. Sudden High Fever
Meningitis is often marked by a sudden high fever in adults. This fever is a response of the body’s immune system to infection.
2. Stiff Neck
“Neck muscle fatigue, making it hard or painful to bend the head forward, is a common indication of meningitis.”
3. Severe Headache
Headaches occurring in meningitis are usually very severe and persistent, different from normal headaches.
4. Nausea or Vomiting
Digestive system disturbances such as nausea or vomiting are also often found in meningitis patients, particularly due to increased intracranial pressure.
5. Confusion or Difficulty Concentrating
The inflammation that occurs can affect brain function, causing confusion or difficulty concentrating.
6. Seizures
In some cases, meningitis can cause seizures, which are signs of irritation or pressure on the brain.
7. Drowsiness or Difficulty Waking Up
Serious meningitis can affect the sleep cycle of adults, causing excessive sleepiness or difficulty waking up.
8. Sensitivity to Light
Light sensitivity is another common symptom where meningitis sufferers may experience discomfort or pain when exposed to light.
9. Loss of Appetite or Thirst
Adult meningitis patients often experience a decreased appetite or do not feel thirsty, which can further worsen dehydration conditions.
10. Skin Rash
In certain types of meningitis, such as meningococcal, a skin rash may appear. This rash can be an important sign for diagnosing the type of meningitis.
Each of these symptoms requires immediate medical examination and management to avoid more serious complications. Consulting with a specialist doctor is the best step if you or someone close to you experiences these symptoms.
Meningitis Complications
Patients with meningitis suffer from inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes, which can result in severe complications, including potentially fatal ones. Here are some complications of meningitis that need attention:
1. Hearing Loss
Hearing loss can be partial or total. Usually, people who have recovered from meningitis will undergo a hearing test several weeks after recovery to check their hearing.
2. Recurring Seizures (Epilepsy)
Recurring seizures are one of the possible complications after recovering from meningitis. This can disrupt daily activities and require long-term treatment.
3. Memory and Concentration Problems
Some people may experience difficulties with memory and concentration after recovering from meningitis. This can impact academic performance and work.
4. Movement Coordination and Balance Issues
Meningitis complications can also affect a person’s ability to perform physical activities smoothly and can disrupt body balance.
5. Learning Difficulties and Behavioral Issues
Those who have recovered from meningitis may face learning difficulties and behavioral problems that require educational and psychological intervention.
6. Vision Loss
Vision loss can be partial or total. This complication requires evaluation and special care from an eye specialist.
7. Loss of Limbs
In some cases, amputation is necessary to stop the spread of infection and remove damaged tissue. This is a serious complication and requires long-term rehabilitation.
8. Bone and Joint Issues such as Arthritis
Inflammation in the joints and other bone problems can occur as a result of meningitis, causing pain and limited movement.
9. Kidney Problems
Meningitis infection can affect kidney function, requiring intensive treatment and monitoring.
Prevention of Meningitis
Meningitis is a serious disease that can cause death or long-term complications. Prevention is an important step to reduce the risk of contracting meningitis. Here are two main methods of meningitis prevention:
1. Meningitis Vaccination
Meningitis vaccination is the most effective way to provide long-term protection against meningitis. Several available meningitis vaccines can prevent meningitis caused by bacteria, including:
- Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)
- Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) In the African region, the meningococcus serogroup A vaccine has successfully reduced meningitis epidemics. This vaccine has been introduced through mass prevention campaigns since 2010 and incorporated into routine immunization programs since 2016. Maintaining high vaccination coverage is crucial to avoid the resurgence of epidemics.
2. Antibiotics for Prevention (Chemoprophylaxis)
Antibiotics can be used to prevent the spread of bacterial meningitis among close contacts of infected individuals. Chemoprophylaxis is recommended for close household contacts. Chemoprophylaxis for close contacts is recommended in non-epidemic situations.
Ciprofloxacin is the antibiotic of choice and ceftriaxone as an alternative. In some countries, mothers whose babies are at risk of Group B streptococcal disease are told to have penicillin through an IV during labor to stop their babies from getting the infection.
READ: Is the Meningitis Vaccine Mandatory for Umrah & Hajj?
Meningitis Vaccination at Tirta Medical Centre (TMC)
Get the Meningitis vaccine before traveling internationally or for Umrah or Hajj. At Tirta Medical Centre (TMC), we offer meningitis vaccinations for your needs:
1. Meningitis Vaccine (Menivax)
Specially prepared for Hajj and Umrah departures.
2. Meningitis Vaccine (Formening)
Ideal for those needing extra protection during international travel.
3. Meningitis Vaccine (Menactra)
The best solution for comprehensive protection from meningitis. TMC provides a yellow booklet with each meningitis vaccine. This book is mandatory for Umrah and Hajj.
This document also serves as internationally recognized proof of vaccination. Contact us immediately for information on meningitis vaccine prices and reservations:
Do not delay in protecting yourself and your family with the Meningitis vaccine at Tirta Medical Centre. Your safety while performing religious duties and traveling internationally is our priority.
References:
- Mayo Clinic. Accessed in 2024. Meningitis – Symptoms and causes: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/meningitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20350508
- NHS. Accessed in 2024. Meningitis – Complications: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/meningitis/complications/
- WHO. Accessed in 2024. Meningitis: https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/meningitis
