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Meningitis

Meningitis · Zánět mozkových blan (meningitida)

What it is

Infection of the brain's coverings — bacterial forms kill in hours.

Symptoms & signs

  • Fever
  • severe headache
  • stiff neck
  • photophobia
  • non-blanching rash
  • confusion
  • vomiting

🚩 Get help if…

  • call 112 / 911 now Fever with a stiff neck or headache and dislike of bright light
  • call 112 / 911 now Rash that does not fade under a pressed glass
  • call 112 / 911 now Drowsiness, confusion or a seizure
  • call 112 / 911 now Cold hands and feet with fever, or a floppy, unresponsive baby

Where it strikes

Medical treatment

  • Immediate IV ceftriaxone + dexamethasone
  • lumbar puncture
  • aciclovir if herpes is suspected
  • vaccination (MenACWY, MenB, pneumococcal, Hib)

Natural & lifestyle

  • Vaccination against the common bacteria (meningococcus, pneumococcus, Hib)
  • good ventilation
  • hand hygiene

Emerging & experimental

  • Rapid PCR panels
  • adjunctive glycerol trials

Alternative, off-label & anecdotal

Approaches used outside the guidelines, with what their supporters report and what testing has found so far.

  • Garlic, echinacea and other home remedies — no role; bacterial meningitis kills in hours, go to hospital anecdotal / traditional
  • Homeopathic 'vaccines' — offer no protection not confirmed in trials

ICD codes