UNIVERSAL HEALTH: Central Nervous System and Meningitis

The parts of central nervous system consist of the brain and the spinal cord. Wrapped around the brain and spinal cord are protectives tissues called meninges. Meningitis is a disease that is an inflammation of the meninges.

This central nervous system infection is a disease in which organisms enter the body, and then multiply. Meningitis can be bacterial meningitis or viral meningitis, and regardless of the type, the entral nervous system is taken over by the intruder.

Aseptic meningitis is common throughout the United States, which is the same as viral meningitis. Meningitis in children is reported to be most of the casses of mengitis, regardless of the type. Bacterial meningitis is considered to be the most serious form of the disease, being life threatening if not treated right away.

The skull provides the brain and other tissue with hard cover protection, the brain is covered and protected further by three membranes, the meninges (the dura mater), arachnoid mater, and the pia mater.

• The dura mater is two membranes located closest to the skull.
• The arachnoid mater is the middle layer of the meninges. It is a delicate, weblike structure that loosely surrounds the brain.
• The pia mater is the innermost layer of the meninges. This tissue adheres closely to the brain and produces Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) within the the spaces in the brain, surrounding it and spinal cord, acting as protection for brain tissue.

Many microorganisms that cause meningitis are common in the environment. Usually they are harmless, however, meningitis can develop if the microorganisms enter a child's bloodstream and then the central nervous system.

Meningitis causing microorganisms entering the bloodstream can develop from an infection in the body, such as the respiratory system, middle ear infection, or nasal sinuses, and then invade the central nervous system. Organisms may also enter from penetrating wounds, skull fractures, lumbar puncture or surgical procedures.

More about Meningitis

Meningococcal meningitis is a common cause of bacterial meningitis in the United States.  Meningococcal meningitis is transmitted by droplet infection from secretions of the nose.  Meningococcal vaccine, MCV4, licensed in early 2005, is recommended for high-risk children, 2 -10 years of age, which includes those who do not have a functioning spleen. It is also recommended for military recruits and college freshmen, especially those living in dormitories.

A spinal tap is the test used to diagnose meningitis. Analyzing CSF is also key to diagnosing meningitis, as well as to identify the causative organism and the type of meningitis. The pressure of the CSF is measured, and samples are obtained for culture, Gram stain, blood cell count and determination of glucose and protein count.  In cases of acute bacterial meningitis, the CSF often has a cloudy appearance.

The fluid pressure is measured with bacterial meningitis. When observing a spinal tap, the infected CSF often “shoots out” through the tap, if bacterial meningitis is present . However, this may also occur if the child is crying. Normally the spinal fluid drips slowly when tapped.  

Acute bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency that requires early assessment, diagnosis and management to prevent neurological damage or death. Symptoms of bacterial meningitis, as well as various degrees of tissue damage, usually develop rapidly, often over the course of a few hours. Meningitis may cause death in 24 hours. Being alert to the often subtle signs and symptoms of meningitis is essential.

More about Meningitis.