What is Meningitis?

Before we go on to answer the question, there are some things you need to know about the brain.

In a normal healthy person, the brain and spinal cord is covered by a layer of tissue called the meninges which help to protect them from harm. When this tissue layer becomes inflammed, the illness that results is called meningitis.

Meningitis is a severe illness which can lead to death if it is not diagnosed early and treated properly. It affects teens and young adults more frequently than older adults. However, certain forms of meningitis are common in particular age groups.

Some typess of meningitis are communicable (i.e. transmitted from one person to another) while others are non-communicable (i.e. cannot be transmitted from one person to another).

Common causes of meningitis include infections with viruses, bacteria or fungi. Less common causes of meningitis include heavy metal toxins and reaction to certain medications. Read more about the causes of meningitis.

Symptoms of meningitis include fever, stiff neck, headaches, skin rash etc. Click here to read more about meningitis Symptoms.

If you or anyone you know ever has symptoms that suggest meningitis; you should seek medical help immediately.

Watch this explanatory video that explains more from icyouhealth...

Created - March 2007
Last Updated - August, 2009