There are two main ways in which meningitis manifests itself in patients. The first way is where the bacteria travel through the meninges of the brain and eventually infect the spinal fluid. In this form, symptoms are severe but can be easily alleviated with relief of intracranial pressure and antibiotics. This form is often called meningococcal meningitis. The second type of infection is often referred to as meningococcemia or meningococcal septicemia, and is primarily an infection of the blood. This results in widespread damage to blood vessels and thusly, plummeting blood pressure. Many times, this blood infection can cause blood vessel blockages so severe that extremities often need amputation.
Look for the differences in meningitis infections
Symptoms
Preliminary symptoms of infection include:
fever
intense headache
naseau and vomiting
stiff neck
rash with red or purple spots
When meninges are infected symptoms may also include:
restriction of leg movement
sporadic tendon reflexes
back spasms
Severe symptoms that result from the continued progression of infection include:
twitching
seizures
coma (both naturally and medically induced)
bleeding under skin (medically termed purpura)
Check for early symptoms
Treatment
Many strains of meningococcal bacteria are susceptible to a broad use of antibiotics. Ampicillin is the preferred antibiotic used in the modern treatment of meningitis. Some strains of bacteria (particularly B) are resistant to antibiotics because they lack a cellular membrane. Since antibiotics purpose is to destroy pathogen's cell membranes, other drugs like cefthaxone or a variety of cephalosporins are commonly used. In addition to antibiotics, many patients with meningococcal infections are put on breathing support. Clotting factors and platelet replacement are also necessary in severe cases that often result in necrotic extremities. IV fluids are used to keep patients hydrated while medications are given to stabilize the dropping blood pressure. And skin care must be given to areas where wounds or blood clots are present.