Pneumococcal meningitis is a type of bacterial meningitis caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is also the infectious agent responsible for pneumonia. This bacterium can inflame the meninges, a tissue that protects the nervous system, leading to signs and symptoms of meningitis, such as difficulty moving the neck, mental confusion and delusions.
This disease is serious and should be treated in the hospital by administering antibiotics to fight bacteria. It is important that treatment is started as soon as the first signs of pneumococcal meningitis appear to prevent the development of complications, such as hearing loss and cerebral palsy, for example.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae can be found in the respiratory system without causing symptoms.
- However.
- Some people have a weakened immune system.
- Which promotes the proliferation of this bacteria.
- Which can be transported from the blood to the brain.
- Causing inflammation of the meninges and leading to the appearance of the following symptoms:.
In addition, when this type of meningitis occurs in infants, it can also cause other signs such as deep weakness, refusal to eat, excessive irritability, or very stiff or completely soft legs and arms, such as a rag doll.
Transmission of this bacteria can occur from person to person through saliva droplets and secretions of the nose and throat that may be suspended in the air, however, the development of the disease does not necessarily occur, as it depends on other factors related to the person. . .
If signs and symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis appear, it is recommended to go to the emergency room to confirm the diagnosis and start appropriate treatment.
Diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis is usually made by your doctor by looking at your symptoms, however, you need to do a cerebrospinal fluid test, which is the substance inside your spine. During this test, known as a lumbar puncture, your doctor inserts a needle into one of your spine joints and draws some fluid to be evaluated in the lab and to confirm the presence of the bacteria.
Pneumococcal meningitis should be treated as soon as possible to avoid complications such as hearing loss or cerebral palsy and increase chances of recovery. Treatment usually lasts about 2 weeks and is done in the hospital with antibiotics. In addition, corticosteroids may also be needed to reduce inflammation of the brain membranes and relieve pain.
In the most severe cases, when meningitis is identified too late or the disease develops too quickly, assistance may be required in an intensive care unit (ICU) under constant monitoring.
This type of meningitis is one of the most aggressive forms of the disease and therefore, even with the right treatment, there is a risk of sequelae, such as hearing loss, cerebral palsy, speech problems, epilepsy or vision loss. Learn more about the possible complications of this disease.
In some cases, these complications of meningitis may take a few months to appear or develop completely, and therefore medical follow-up after discharge, especially at 4 weeks, when a hearing test should be performed for example. Example.
The best way to prevent the development of pneumococcal meningitis is to be vaccinated against meningitis, which is included in the vaccination schedule and should be done during the first year of the baby’s life and should be the first dose given at 2 months of age. Understand how the vaccination schedule works.