Inflammation of the dura mater. Inflammation of the meninges of the brain

The concept includes a number of inflammatory diseases of the brain. Inflammation of the brain develops as a result of the penetration of the causative agent of the disease into the human body or as a result of allergic phenomena. The main reason for the development of the disease is neuroinfection.

Microbes and viruses interfere with activities nerve fibers, neurons and blood vessels, adversely affecting the work of the nervous system. Signs of intoxication appear, the membrane and individual parts of the brain are affected.

Depending on the affected area, meningitis and encephalitis are isolated. Meningitis is accompanied by inflammation of the cerebral cortex, which develops as a result of hypothermia, penetration of fungi, viruses, bacteria. Encephalitis is a serious condition in which the brain becomes inflamed. The disease is characterized by a severe course and high mortality.

Encephalitis is primary and secondary. Insects are usually the source of infection in the primary form. An infected individual bites a person, then the virus spreads through the bloodstream to the brain and other organs. This form manifests itself due to the rabies virus (from the bite of an infected dog), herpes, flu, Coxsackie. Microbial encephalitis results from, for example, syphilis.

Based on the causes of the primary form of the disease, epidemic, tick-borne, herpetic, mosquito, viral encephalitis are isolated.

DTP vaccination, smallpox and rabies vaccines can cause the development of encephalitis.

Since vaccination can cause brain pathology in infants, a thorough examination of newborns by a pediatrician and neurologist is necessary.

Secondary encephalitis is formed as a complication of another disease: toxoplasmosis, malaria, measles, rubella. You can get infected by airborne droplets or through the consumption of infected food.

Risk factors

There are several factors that increase the risk of pathology:

• children under 1 year old, elderly people;
• the presence of herpes simplex virus;
• decreased immune status;
• summer-autumn period, when the most active insect carriers of neuroinfection.

Based on the location of the pathogen, subcortical, cerebellar, mesencephalic, stem encephalitis are isolated.

Inflammation of the brain - symptoms, causes and treatment

The initial symptoms of encephalitis may be nonspecific. Fever, chills, pain in muscles and head, general weakness can be the result of a banal viral infection.

However, the appearance of nausea and vomiting, severe headache, drowsiness, impaired consciousness and neurological symptoms (paralysis, paresis) should be an alarm.

The intensity of the symptoms increases rapidly, and the general condition of the patient worsens. In extreme situations, respiratory failure and cardiac arrest, caused by cerebral edema, occur.

Inflammation of the brain is not common, but it is clinical course often has dramatic consequences. In many cases, symptoms of inflammation of the meninges and some epidemiological diseases appear simultaneously.

Inflammation of the brain can be divided into several groups, depending on the factor that causes it. The largest group is made up of diseases caused by a viral infection, of which about half are tick-borne infections.

Inflammation of the human brain is a rather serious and complex pathology, which in the absence of timely treatment can lead to the death of the patient.

Depending on the specific affected area, this condition can be of several varieties.

Let us consider in more detail the symptoms of inflammation of the cerebral cortex and the main methods of treating such an ailment.

1. Meningitis is a disease in which the lining of the brain becomes inflamed. Its development can be provoked by various viruses, bacterial lesions (salmonella, staphylococcus, etc.), severe hypothermia or fungi.

According to its classification, meningitis can be serous or purulent.

According to the form of the course, the pathology is acute, subacute and chronic.

Sinusitis, frontal sinusitis or sinusitis;

Severe lung inflammation;

Conjunctivitis;

Abscess (may be in different locations);

Furunculosis;

Chickenpox (usually chickenpox leads to meningitis in adults, since it is more severe);

Mumps.

2. Encephalitis is a very serious pathology in which the patient's brain becomes inflamed. Based on statistical data, encephalitis is characterized by a difficult course and high mortality rates.

Most often, this disease affects children (more than 75% of all cases).

Encephalitis can be primary or secondary. In the first case, it can be caused by strong viral lesions (flu, mosquito and tick bite, herpes).

Rubella;

Defeat with toxoplasmosis;

Malaria;

The development of complications after the introduction of the vaccine;

Rapid increase in body temperature;

Enhancement blood pressure;

The appearance of a gray tint of the skin;

Feeling anxious

Fear of bright light;

Intolerance to strong odors;

Very severe headache, which is localized in the area of \u200b\u200bthe temples and forehead;

Constantly recurring vomiting and nausea;

Intolerance to tactile touch;

Deterioration of muscle tone;

Great weakness;

Excessive sweating;

Increased heart rate.

With the rapid development of the disease, the above symptoms can develop within a day. Next comes the swelling of the brain. In this state, the patient may suffer from confusion, convulsions and convulsions.

Fever;

Anxiety;

Sleep disturbance;

Joint pain;

Very severe headaches;

Edema respiratory tract;

High body temperature;

Hallucinations and other mental disorders;

Hyperemia;

Seizures;

Confusion of consciousness;

Deterioration of general well-being;

The appearance of small bruises all over the body;

Heart rhythm disorder.

When the first signs of brain inflammation appear, you should immediately call an ambulance. In this state, the person is sent to the intensive care unit of the hospital.

1. Blood and urine tests.

4. The study of cerebral fluid will make it possible to study the degree of the disease, to identify its form and cause.

The treatment of such inflammation is always selected for each patient individually, depending on the type of pathology, its cause and the form of its course.

2. In case of infection with viruses, treatment is carried out on the basis of symptoms (headaches, diarrhea and other symptoms are eliminated).

3. Diuretic medicines are used to relieve cerebral edema.

4. To reduce intoxication, Albumin or isotonic solution can be used.

5. Glucocorticosteroids are used to prevent the progression of edema.

6. If the disease is caused by fungi, then antibiotics in this case will be ineffective. In this state, the patient needs to be prescribed antimycotic drugs.

8. Gammaglobulin is a central and indispensable drug for brain inflammation. It has a pronounced therapeutic effect and must be administered intravenously over three days.

9. When seizures or seizures are observed, anticonvulsants are used.

10. At a high temperature and fever, antipyretic drugs are prescribed.

It is important to know that meningitis and encephalitis are those categories of diseases that require careful monitoring in treatment and reasonable selection of drugs. For this reason, self-medication when diagnosing such pathologies is categorically contraindicated.

1. Pelotherapy or mud therapy. This procedure is aimed at stimulating the nervous system, producing hormones, enhancing carbohydrate metabolism and restoring lipoid metabolism.

The duration of the procedure should be twenty minutes. The course of treatment includes twelve sessions.

2. Thalassotherapy or taking baths with the addition of beneficial chemicals (iodine, calcium, potassium, etc.). These trace elements will penetrate the skin through the sweat glands, and enter the bloodstream. Thanks to this procedure, it is possible to improve microcirculation in tissues, restore brain dynamics and relieve inflammation.

The course of such treatment includes twenty sessions.

4. Medicinal electrophoresis is used to enhance the work of the cerebral cortex and activate the processes of homeostasis. The duration of the course is 15 procedures for twenty minutes.

1. Paralysis.

2. Visual impairment.

3. Strabismus.

4. Impaired memory and hearing.

5. The appearance of epileptic seizures.

6. Development of acute or chronic renal and hepatic failure.

7. Violation of motor functions.

8. Deterioration of the heart.

Death is considered the main complication of meningitis. It occurs when the patient is not treated within 5-8 days after the onset of the disease.

1. Give up bad habits (smoking, drinking alcohol).

2. Timely treat those diseases that can cause complications in the form of brain inflammation.

3. Get vaccinated against mumps, chickenpox and other diseases.

4. Avoid being in places where there are outbreaks of viral encephalitis.

In addition, clothing should be light-colored to make it easier to spot ticks.

6. After returning from the forest or meadows, you need to carefully examine your clothes, and the children who were with you. It is advisable to shake it up and wash it well.

Also, don't forget about pets. Their fur can also hide dangerous insects - disease carriers.

Vasculitis is a generalized name for inflammatory processes affecting the vessels of the brain.

This disease is masked, its symptoms are similar to colds, flu, and on X-rays it can be confused with a neoplasm, especially if many blood plexuses are affected.

Treatment of a developed disease is complex, therefore, inflammation of the choroid plexus in the brain, the symptoms of which are presented below, should be recognized immediately and consult a doctor.

Vasculitis can be classified based on the reasons for their occurrence. The inflammatory process of the blood vessels of the brain is of the following types:

• infectious;
• non-infectious;
• caused by a complication of infections not initially associated with the brain;
• acquired due to malignant or benign tumors brain.

Vasculitis has different causes and, accordingly, symptoms that often help doctors correctly diagnose and begin treatment, but ordinary people should be aware of the signs of inflammation in order not to miss the development of the disease.

Most often, an infectious inflammation of blood vessels is caused by bacteria (meningococci, staphylococci and others) entering the brain tissue. They multiply rapidly, and their waste products poison the vascular tissues, a strong inflammatory reaction occurs.

Types of disease

Each type of pathology is characterized by certain signs and a special course of the pathological process.

Epidemic

Another name is lethargic. It is diagnosed in both children and adults. Symptoms are manifested in a sharp increase in temperature, intense headaches, pain in the joint tissue.

The patient has confusion, delusional states, hallucinations. Later, squint, difficulty breathing, excessive sweating are added.

Tick-borne

The frequency of detection of this species increases in spring and summer, when infected ticks are most active. The causative agent of the disease is transmitted through the bite of an encephalitis tick.

When ingested, the infection enters the brain through the bloodstream. A person begins to be afraid of bright light, pain in the head increases, and vomiting develops. Numbness of the extremities occurs, muscle structures are paralyzed.

Mosquito

Another name for the species is Japanese. Infected mosquitoes carry the virus. The disease is accompanied high temperature body, vomiting, confusion. Tremors of the limbs, convulsive seizures are recorded. The species is characterized by a high mortality rate.

Influenza

It develops as a complication of the flu. It is manifested by nausea, headache, weight loss, weakness. The disease often puts the victim into a coma.

Koreva

Since measles is a childhood disease, this type of encephalitis is inherent in children. Inflammation of the brain begins to develop several days after measles.

The patient weakens, a febrile state is manifested, epileptic seizures disturb. The disease damages the nerves of the skull, causing paralysis, myelitis.

Windmill

Progresses due to the transferred chickenpox. The disease is more often diagnosed in childhood. The child weakens, becomes drowsy. Coordination of movements is gradually disrupted, paralysis of the arms and legs, epileptic seizures develop.

Herpetic

The herpes virus attacks the cerebral cortex. This type progresses slowly, leading to impaired consciousness, excruciating headache, chaotic limb movements.

Features of the treatment of inflammation of the lining of the brain

According to statistics, children under the age of five, as well as middle-aged men, are more likely to suffer from these diseases. The risk of pathologies increases in the cold season, which is due to a sharp decrease and jumps in temperature.

On average, the pathological process occurs in ten people per hundred thousand of the population.

Meningitis

One of the subgroups of brain inflammation is meningitis, which covers the lining of the brain. Viruses, fungi or bacteria can cause the development of the disease.

Pathology has an extensive classification, by the nature of the onset of the disease, purulent and serous meningitis are distinguished.

Pathology can be primary, when the inflammation arose directly in the lining of the brain and secondary, in this case, the process passed to the cerebral cortex as a result of insufficient therapy for infectious diseases, for example, purulent otitis media.

• sharp;
• subacute;
• chronic.

• meningeal;
• infectious;
• cerebral.

• a sharp increase in body temperature, accompanied by chills and fever;
• earthy skin tone with blue discoloration in the area of \u200b\u200bthe nasolabial triangle;
• tachycardia and excessive sweating;
• weakness and increased feelings of anxiety.

Depending on the form of the course of the disease, symptoms can appear with lightning speed, in a few hours due to cerebral edema and be accompanied by convulsive convulsions and confusion. A similar picture can be observed with the primary form of meningitis.

The secondary form develops less rapidly, and the symptoms are intertwined with the manifestations of the primary pathology.

• very intense headache, often with localization in the forehead and temples;
• fear of light and harsh sounds;
• vomiting, especially more frequent when changing the position of the head, it is unrelated to food intake, intense, sudden, it is not preceded by nausea;
• uncomfortable sensations at the moment of touching the patient's skin;
• disorders in joint mobility.

• increased neck muscle tone;
• kernig's symptom;
• increased intracranial pressure;
• acute hydrocephalus.

An examination of the cerebrospinal fluid helps to establish the diagnosis accurately. The results of puncture of this fluid show a complete picture of what is happening, the form of the disease, the degree of its course, the intensity of inflammation, etc.

The reasons

Most often, the disease develops as a result of infection by viruses or bacteria, less often by fungi or due to trauma and hypothermia. The most common bacteria that can provoke an inflammatory process are meningococci, streptococci, salmonella, pneumococci, hemophilus influenzae, staphylococci. Of the fungi, candidiasis is more common than others.

• sinusitis, sinusitis;
• abscesses of different localization;
• otitis;
• fistulas;
• pneumonia;
• conjunctivitis;
• furunculosis.

Serous meningitis can be caused by: chickenpox, measles, mumps, mumps, rubella.

The duration of the course of the disease depends on its form and the timeliness of treatment. If you do not consider the lightning-fast appearance, when the symptoms increase over several hours, on average, the treatment of pathology lasts from two weeks to one and a half months. In the chronic form, relapses often occur, and therapy can be protracted.

• loss of hearing or vision;
• development mental retardation;
• epileptic seizures;
• strabismus;
• paralysis of the limbs;
• development of renal or hepatic failure;

But the main danger remains death. If you do not start timely therapy, the patient dies on the 5-7th day of the disease. According to statistics, with timely treatment and adequate treatment, death occurs only in 10% of cases.

With late treatment, this figure rises to 50%.

Treatment

When the first signs of the disease appear, you should immediately call an ambulance. If meningitis is suspected, the patient is sent to the neuroinfectious department. Until the moment of transportation to the hospital, the ambulance doctor can inject aminophylline, glucocorticosteroid drugs and diuretics, such actions will help temporarily relieve brain swelling.

• antibacterial drugs for ten days, in the form of injections.

  The choice of medication depends on the causative agent of the disease;

• sulfa drugs in parallel with antibiotics;
• diuretics to reduce brain swelling;
• glucocorticosteroids, also to reduce edema;
• from seizures or in order to prevent their prevention;
• chlorpromazine, chloral hydrate, pipolfen;
• to reduce intoxication of the body - albumin or isotonic solution.

If the causative agent is a fungus, antibiotics are usually not strong and antimycotic drugs are required.

Encephalitis

Pathology in which the substance of the brain becomes inflamed. The disease is characterized by a severe course and a high mortality rate of 20% of diagnosed cases, it is rare, on average, there are 1.5 cases per one hundred thousand inhabitants.

Most often, cerebral encephalitis is of a viral nature and in 75% of cases occurs in children. As well as meningitis, there are primary and secondary encephalitis.

In the first case, the damage occurs directly to the medulla of the viruses, the secondary process arises as a result of cross-reaction with other infectious diseases.

• fever with high fever;
• severe headaches;
• vomiting;
• pain in muscles and joints;
• swelling of the respiratory tract, cough;
• increased intracranial pressure;
• bradycardia;
• mental disorders, hallucinations;
• anxiety, sleep disturbance, or, conversely, increased sleepiness;
• hyperemia of the optic fibers.

• measles;
• malaria;
• rubella;
• toxoplasmosis;
• smallpox;
• complication after vaccination.

The virus can be transmitted by airborne droplets, as well as by insect bites moving with the bloodstream, entering the brain.

Inflammation of the brain requires specialized inpatient treatment, in conditions typical of an infectious diseases department. The basis is to protect the patient from cerebral edema, which not only causes severe disorders of consciousness, but can lead to intussusception of the brain into the opening of the skull.

The state of the brain tissue, the extent and intensity of changes is determined by imaging methods - mainly using magnetic resonance (NMR). In the treatment are used, in particular, intravenous administration osmotically active substances (mannitol), diuretics, steroid anti-inflammatory drugs.

When researching cerebrospinal fluid for the presence of bacteria, viruses and the presence of specific antibodies, the cause of the disease can often be determined. This allows causal treatment (eg, antibiotics) to be implemented where warranted.

Despite the fact that a few percent of cases of brain inflammation end in death, most people can be cured. However, recovery can be overshadowed by adverse neurological effects of varying severity. But, thanks to several months of intensive rehabilitation, at least a partial improvement in the general condition, a decrease in paresis or other problems of the central nervous system is usually achieved.

It is important to know that meningitis and encephalitis are those categories of diseases that require careful monitoring in treatment and reasonable selection of drugs. For this reason, self-medication when diagnosing such pathologies is categorically contraindicated.

1. Paralysis.

3. Strabismus.

Inflammation of the cerebral cortex: symptoms and signs

Feeling anxious

Great weakness;

Fever;

Anxiety;

Sleep disturbance;

Joint pain;

Hyperemia;

Seizures;

Vomiting, photophobia, epileptic seizures appear, and headache increases. In patients, consciousness is impaired, a person may fall into a coma. There are problems with psychomotor and sensory perception reality: physical hyperactivity, misunderstanding of the parameters and shapes of objects.

Encephalitis can be asymptomatic, lightning fast, or abortive. The asymptomatic course is accompanied by a slight pain in the head, light dizziness. Abortive forms cause symptoms of colds or stomach infections.

The most dangerous form is lightning-fast, which progresses over several hours. The temperature rises sharply, the person falls into a coma. Death is recorded as a result of heart failure.

Inflammation of the brain in easy form passes without significant complications. Treatment of a severe disease can take several years. The consequences of encephalitis of the brain do not develop in all people, they depend on the individual characteristics of the organism.

The most dangerous situation is when the patient does not feel painful symptoms, while the virus spreads through the structure of the brain. In this case, irreversible complications develop:

• chronic fatigue;
• personality changes;
• inability to concentrate;
• amnesia, which over time leads to problems with short-term memorization;
• violation of motor activity;
• mental disorders;
• loss of sensitive sensitivity.

Degenerative processes in the brain structures lead to disability and death.

Brain inflammation symptoms, causes and treatment

Meningitis

The dominant diagnostic method is puncture, during which the specialist takes the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The biological material is examined, lymphocytic pleocytosis and protein concentration are detected in it.

In a blood test, a high number of leukocytes is found, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate increases. Epileptic activity is recorded. During magnetic resonance imaging, pathological changes in the brain are recorded. When examining the fundus, congestion of the optic nerve is determined.

The disease is diagnosed based on the results obtained during bacteriological and serological tests. Virological identification is very difficult.

1. Paralysis.

3. Strabismus.

Therapies

If painful signs are found, it is necessary to urgently call an ambulance team. The patient is placed in the infectious diseases department. The outcome of treatment depends on the speed of treatment measures... Often, the patient needs the help of a resuscitator.

Treatment of encephalitis includes etiotropic, pathogenetic and symptomatic methods.

Etiotropic treatment

Eliminates the causes of brain inflammation, one of which is the penetration of an infectious agent. To eliminate the infection, antibacterial drugs, antiviral agents and human immunoglobulin are used, which is necessary for tick-borne encephalitis.

Antibiotics are used for bacterial encephalitis and are administered intravenously. Among antiviral medicines, Acyclovir, Cycloferon, Viferon, Proteflazid are distinguished.

It is based on the use of medications that restore damaged brain structures. These drugs include:

• hormonal agents;
• anti-edematous drugs - Mannitol, Diacarb, Furosemide;
• antihistamines - Suprastin, Loratadin, Zodak, Tavegil;
• infusion correcting metabolic processes - Dextran, Trisol, potassium;
• angioprotectors - Cavinton, Instenon;
• antihypoxants - Cytochrome, Mexidol, Actovegin;
• anti-inflammatory medicines - Ksefokam, Nurofen.

The patient is injected with vitamin preparations, agents that correct the work of the heart and organs of the respiratory tract.

Eliminates the manifestations of individual symptoms resulting from encephalitis. Doctors prescribe anticonvulsant, antipyretic, antipsychotic drugs. It is necessary to take drugs that activate the work of the neuromuscular apparatus (Neuromidin) and reduce muscle tone (Sirdalud).

Note! Epileptic seizures can stay with a person forever, which requires taking anticonvulsants for the rest of their lives.

The victim is shown physiotherapy measures: massage, acupuncture, physiotherapy exercises, electrical stimulation. The patient should work with a psychotherapist, speech therapist.

At the initial stage, encephalitis does not manifest with characteristic symptoms, the signs are similar to colds... Therefore, a person turns to a doctor late, when the brain cells are already destroyed. Emergency medical aid can save the patient.

Meningitis - an acute infection with an aerogenic transmission, which is an inflammation of the membranes of the brain and spinal cord due to the penetration of microorganisms into them.
The pathogenesis of the disease is determined by toxemia (poisoning of the body with toxins) caused by bacterial endotoxins. With a severe course of meningitis, an infectious-toxic shock state may develop, and if untreated, it may be fatal.
Meningitis is ubiquitous, but most prevalent in African countries. In these regions, an average of 30,000 cases of meningitis are reported each year. Most often, children and the male population are susceptible to the disease, and the peak incidence is observed from the end of autumn (November) to December.

The only source of meningitis is sick people with pronounced and worn out clinical formsas well as healthy bacteria carriers.
The entrance gate for infection is the skin, the mucous membrane of the respiratory and digestive tract, but in most cases - the mucous membrane of the nasal cavity.
At the entrance gate, a focus of inflammation is formed, and later the pathogen appears in the membranes of the brain and spinal cord, causing meningitis.

Those. a person can become infected with meningitis not only through direct contact with an infected person, but also through water, dirty hands, blood, during childbirth from mother to child.

The first signs of meningitis

A common form of meningitis is meningococcal.
With meningococcal meningitis at the very beginning of the disease, the clinic may be absent. The first signs of meningitis appear either in the form of acute nasopharyngitis, or in the form of the development of generalized forms, which is much less common.
The first symptoms of meningitis are clinically manifested by hyperthermia, severe headache, and vomiting. The patient will be bothered by sore throat and sore throat, nasal congestion, cough, pallor of the skin, muscle pain. Such a clinic is often regarded as a manifestation of ARVI. With the combined form of meningitis (a combination of meningococcemia and meningitis), a hemorrhagic rash may occur on the extremities. One of the main signs of meningitis is the inability or difficulty in bending the head.

Important information

If these symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor, since meningitis is a very dangerous disease that can be fatal.

Symptoms of meningitis in adults

Signs of meningitis can be divided into nonspecific and specific. Appearance specific symptoms characteristic of meningitis of a certain etiological nature.

Nonspecific symptoms

• Decreased performance, weakness, increased fatigue;
• Heat;
• Adynamia (state of powerlessness);
• Blanching of the skin;
• Increased intracranial pressure due to an increase in the volume of cerebrospinal fluid (hereinafter - CSF).

Specific symptoms of meningococcal meningitis

Meningeal symptoms

Symptoms of meningitis in children

At the age of children under 1 year old, a nonspecific clinic is observed. The first signs of meningitis include: increased body temperature, frequent regurgitation of food, tilting of the head, and possible seizures. Children of this age are also characterized by a "brain cry" - monotonous prolonged crying of a child. Meningeal symptoms appear only by the third day.
Serous meningitis is most common in children aged 2 to 7 years. The clinic has a typical course. At the beginning, it is accompanied by weakness, a sluggish state of the child, loss of appetite, then symptoms of meningitis appear - cephalalgia, febrile temperature body, also characterized by the defeat of some groups cranial nerves.
For newborns, it often occurs lessage hanging symptom - the child, who is held by the armpits, pulls the legs to the stomach. Have healthy child legs in this position unbend and bend freely.

Types of meningitis

Classification of meningitis by time of occurrence:

1. Primary - inflammation was not preceded by infection;
2. Secondary - meningitis, developing as a complication of the underlying disease;

For the affected meninges:

1. Leptomeningitis is an inflammation of the pia mater and arachnoid meninges;
2. Pachymeningitis is an inflammation of the dura mater;

By etiology:

• Bacterial (meningococcal)
• Helminths;
• Viral - typical for patients with compromised immunity;
• Fungal - fungi of the genus Candida;
• Combined;

By the nature of the inflammation:

1. Serous - lymphocytes are found in the CSF;
2. Purulent - neutrophils are detected in the CSF;

With the flow:

1. Acute;
2. Subacute;
3. Chronic;
4. Fulminant;

Diagnosis of the disease

Diagnosis of meningitis is based on data from the history of life and disease, laboratory diagnostic studies, clinical picture and detection of meningococcus in the discharge from the nasopharynx.

Useful information

The most reliable method is lumbar puncture. Lubmal puncture is a diagnostic procedure for the collection of cerebrospinal fluid and further microbiological research to identify the pathogen.

The absence of signs of inflammation in the cerebrospinal fluid makes it possible to exclude the diagnosis of meningitis. Determination of the nature of the disease allows starting etiopathogenetic therapy.

Indicators indicating inflammatory changes in the CSF:

1. Hypertensive syndrome;
2. Pleocytosis with a predominance of neutrophilic granulocytes, lymphocytes;
3. Change in CSF color and transparency;
4. Fluctuations in protein levels
5. Changes in sugar levels;

CSF indicators in normal conditions and with meningitis of various nature:

CSF indicators	Liquor is normal	Viral meningitis	Bacterial meningitis (serous)	Bacterial meningitis (purulent)
Colour	colorless	colorless	colorless	whitish, greenish
Transparency	transparent	transparent, opalescent	opalescent	turbid
CSF pressure (mmHg)	from 130 to 180	from 200 to 300	from 250 to 500	pressure increased
Cytosis (cells in 1 microliter)	from 2 to 8	from 20 to 800	from 200 to 700	over 1000
Protein mg / l	from 160 to 330	from 160 and more	from 1000 to 3300	from 660 to 16000
Dissociation	not	cellular protein	protein-cell	cellular protein

The liquor can be examined as follows:

• Bacterioscopic;
• PCR of CSF with the determination of meningococcal DNA;
• Bacteriological;
• Serological - RPHA with erythrocyte diagnosticums to detect anti-meningococcal antibodies;

Additional research methods:

• Neurosonography - this study it is carried out for patients with signs of intracranial hypertension, the presence of neurological symptoms, convulsive syndrome;
• Computed tomography of the brain is performed to exclude organic lesions of the brain tissue;
• Magnetic resonance imaging;
• Electroencephalogram - in severe cases, a pronounced violation of electrical activity is detected;
• Electrocardiogram - in severe cases, signs of myocarditis may be detected;
• Chest X-ray with a clinical picture of pneumonia (complication of meningitis);
• A coagulogram is performed in the presence of a hemorrhagic rash;
• General analysis of urine - proteinuria, single leukocytes and erythrocytes;
• Clinical blood test - revealed an increase in ESR from 30 to 50 mm / hour, neutrophilic leukocytosis with a shift in the formula to the left, lymphopenia, monocytosis, anemia.

Differential diagnosis of meningitis:

Etiological forms	Patient complaints	Meningeal symptoms	General infectious symptoms
Purulent meningitis	Cephalalgia, hyperthermia, vomiting	Acute onset, meningeal symptoms increase in the first day	Fever (hyperthermia to febrile digits)
Serous meningitis	Cephalalgia, nausea, chills	Moderately pronounced	Moderate fever
Tuberculous meningitis	Weakness, nausea, asthenic syndrome	Not pronounced, gradual onset of the disease	Subfebrile temperature

Regardless of the form of meningitis, treatment of patients should be carried out in specialized medical institutions in the infectious diseases department.
Basic principles of meningitis treatment:

1. Elimination of symptoms that form the clinical picture of the disease;
2. Prevention of the development of complications;
3. Prevention of further progression of the disease.

There are 2 stages in the treatment of meningitis:

1. Until the etiology of meningitis is established (broad-spectrum antibiotics);
2. After establishing the etiological factor.

The basic principles of treatment consist of etiotropic and symptomatic therapy.

Etiotropic therapy. The main principle of this therapy is to influence the cause of the disease, that is, the pathogen. It is represented by antimicrobial therapy - broad-spectrum antibiotics are used. Antibiotic therapy is carried out for at least 10 days. In the presence of septic foci, antibiotic therapy is carried out for a longer period. If the patient underwent surgery, antibiotic therapy should be continued for at least three days after the operation. When prescribing antibiotics, the doctor should be guided by the analysis of the cerebrospinal fluid.

Symptomatic therapy is based on the elimination of symptoms that threaten human health and life. The following agents are used as such therapy:

• Diuretics They have the effect of increasing urine output for the purpose of dehydration in cerebral edema;
• Infusion therapy in order to reduce the phenomena of intoxication and restore the water-salt balance (glucose, plasma transfusion, colloids, albumin are used);
• In the presence of seizures, the use of anticonvulsants is indicated;
• Hormone therapy;
• Metabolic therapy;
• Immunotherapy.

Non-drug treatment includes adherence to diet, aeration of living quarters, hygiene measures, sanitation of the upper respiratory tract.

With the correct treatment, regression of symptoms occurs by the 10th day of the started treatment.

Complications after meningitis

Meningitis, if not properly treated, can cause hearing impairment up to the development of deafness, epileptic seizures, organic brain damage. Mortality in meningitis is 50%.

• Cerebral edema is one of the complications of meningitis, most often occurring during the height of the disease. It is characterized by a change in the patient's consciousness, seizures, the emergence of a clinic of neurological pathology. Cerebral edema is most often observed in children, which is due to the high hydrophilicity of the brain tissue and greater, in comparison with adults, mobility. The aggravation of this condition leads to the phenomenon of wedging of the brain stem, in which the respiratory and vasomotor centers are located, which in turn leads to vital dysfunction (the patient is unable to breathe on his own). Rarely enough, cranial nerve paresis is formed, which regresses over the next 3 months.
• Brain infarction. This complication is characterized by the occurrence of severe neurological symptoms: spastic tetraparesis, delayed speech and psychomotor development, impaired higher nervous activity.

Prevention of the disease

Prevention of meningitis consists of two components: specific and non-specific.

Prevention of meningitis also consists in isolating an active bacterium carrier during treatment in a hospital in a box and observing personal hygiene. After the patient is hospitalized, a doctor's examination of all persons who have had contact with him is required within 24 hours. When identifying persons with acute nasopharyngitis, they need to conduct a more thorough examination, including bacteriological examination in order to identify meningococcus, make a diagnosis and start as much as possible. early treatment... All persons who have not been found to have catarrhal phenomena from the nasopharynx are treated with chemoprophylaxis with antibacterial agents. Vaccination is also added to antibiotics.

Timely diagnosis of the patient avoids serious complications. Since the disease can begin with nasopharyngitis - it is often similar in clinical presentation to ARVI, it is necessary to consult a specialist to make the correct diagnosis and prescribe treatment.

Focal changes in the substance of the brain are areas of atrophic, dystrophic, necrotic changes that have arisen against the background of disturbed blood flow, hypoxia, intoxication and other pathological conditions. They are fixed on MRI, cause anxiety and fear in patients, but they do not always give any symptoms or are life threatening.

Structural changes in the substance of the brain are more often diagnosed in the elderly and the elderly and reflect natural aging. According to some reports, more than half of people over 60 years old have signs of focal changes in the brain. If the patient suffers from hypertension, atherosclerosis, diabetes, then the severity and prevalence of dystrophy will be greater.

Focal changes in brain matter are possible in childhood. So, in newborns and infants, they serve as a sign of severe hypoxia during the prenatal period or in childbirth, when a lack of oxygen provokes the death of immature and very sensitive nervous tissue around the ventricles of the brain, in the white matter of the hemispheres and in the cortex.

The presence of focal changes in the nervous tissue, established by means of MRI, is not yet a diagnosis. Focal processes are not considered an independent disease, therefore, the doctor is faced with the task of finding out their cause, establishing a connection with symptoms and determining the tactics of patient management.

In many cases, focal changes in the brain are detected by chance, but patients tend to associate their presence with a variety of symptoms. In fact, these processes do not always disrupt the work of the brain, provoke pain or something else, so treatment is often not required, however, most likely, the doctor will recommend dynamic observation and MRI annually.

Meningitis

Meningitis is a serious infectious disease that affects the brain and causes inflammation of its membranes. The disease can develop as an independent disease, or arise as a complication of another infection.

The causative agents of the disease can be fungi, bacteria and viruses. Doctors divide the inflammatory process into purulent and serous.

If you suspect this disease, you must urgently go to the hospital, because meningitis can be cured only under the supervision of doctors. Since the disease has dangerous consequences, it is necessary to start treatment as soon as the first signs appear.

Most often, this type of inflammation of the meninges of the brain occurs in children, since the child's immune system and BBB are imperfect. The main causative agent is the bacterium meningococcus, belonging to the genus Neisseria, which, in turn, is divided into several serological groups - A, B and C. Group A is considered the most dangerous, which, when infected, leads to the development of a severe course of meningitis.

Most often, the infection is transmitted by airborne droplets. The greatest danger is posed by carriers with an asymptomatic course of the disease, they actively excrete infection into the environment.

The highest incidence of meningococcal disease occurs in African countries, although the disease is common in all countries of the world. This is facilitated by a warm climate, which allows bacteria to actively develop. In spring and autumn, the incidence is higher, this is due to the weakening of human immunity after winter. More often than others, meningitis develops in children and the elderly, since their defenses are weaker in relation to this infection.

Treatment

Different parts of the brain in women, men and children can become inflamed due to various injuries and infections. It is possible to start treating such diseases only after the root cause of the development of the pathology has been clarified and the factor that caused the inflammation has been eliminated.

First of all, after an ambulance or visiting a polyclinic, the patient is immediately hospitalized, after which special drugs are administered, the action of which is aimed at reducing puffiness and reducing the manifestation of symptoms of the disease.

The principles of therapy will depend on the results of diagnosis and the type of pathology. The symptoms of the disease are partly similar to many other diseases of the brain and spinal cord, with mental disorders, therefore, it is extremely important to make the correct diagnosis and conduct all the necessary additional examinations.

After the diagnosis is made, a treatment course begins, which includes various therapeutic techniques, the choice of which depends on a number of factors (patient's age, type of disease, stage of its development, etc.):

• Etiotropic treatment (such therapy is required to eliminate the factors that caused the development of inflammation).
• Pathogenetic treatment (various drugs are used, the action of which is aimed at arresting processes that can damage the nerve endings in the brain and brain tissue).
• Symptomatic treatment (signs of pathology are eliminated or weakened).

Mandatory drug therapy is carried out, which is necessary in any case, regardless of the characteristics of the development of the disease, its type and stage.

• To eliminate focal infectious phenomena in the patient's body, antibacterial treatment is carried out (the duration of the course of taking antibiotics is about 10-14 days). Injection of the drug is recommended.
• If the disease is caused by the negative impact of the virus on the human body, then the patient is prescribed antiviral drugs.
• If the disease appeared due to fungal infection, then antibiotics in this case will be useless, therefore, antimycotic drugs are prescribed.
• To eliminate swelling in the brain (frontal, occipital and other lobes), the use of diuretics is recommended (but only as prescribed by a doctor).
• If convulsions appear as symptoms of inflammation, anticonvulsants are prescribed.
• The use of potent antipyretic and analgesic drugs is allowed if the patient has a fever and a condition close to fever.

In the absence of positive dynamics after drug therapy, an appropriate operation is performed.

It is forbidden to perform the treatment of inflammation of the brain with folk remedies (they may be adjunctive therapy, but not the only one). Self-medication with such a serious pathology can result in the most dangerous consequences.

Treatment can only be carried out in a hospital in a stationary mode. The patient needs constant monitoring - you need to systematically check the work of his respiratory and cardiovascular systems.

In patients under the age of 14 years with inflammation of the brain, a severe course is almost always observed (much more severe than in adults). The child's body is not yet strong enough to fight such a complex disease.

The therapeutic tactics chosen by the doctor is unique in each case, therefore, the use of universal solutions in the treatment of brain inflammation is a categorically wrong and ineffective approach. Therapy should also be comprehensive and carried out in a hospital setting, and not at home.

After a hospital stay, the patient needs long-term rehabilitation (especially if the course of the disease was severe and the treatment was prolonged). Carrying out various rehabilitation measures will reduce the risk of the consequences of damage to nerves and tissue in the brain. Most often, patients in this case are prescribed: exercise therapy, massage procedures, physiotherapy and other procedures according to indications.

Encephalitis

Another pathology, which is characterized by inflammation of the lining of the brain, is called encephalitis. It belongs to a group of diseases that cause inflammatory processes in the brain. Encephalitis is infectious, toxic, and allergic. If a disease is detected, a person is immediately hospitalized. All patients with confirmed infection require strict bed rest and medical supervision.

The main cause of encephalitis is viruses - neuroinfections. Less commonly, the disease develops as a complication of certain infections.

Encephalitis happens:

The second type develops against the background of other pathologies (measles, toxoplasmosis, osteomyelitis, influenza).

Primary encephalitis is most commonly transmitted through insect bites. In addition, there are pathologies such as syphilitic and typhoid encephalitis.

Depending on the type of inflammation, the disease is divided into:

• Isolated. In which symptoms of encephalitis are present only.
• Meningoencephalitis. There are symptoms of inflammation of the meninges of the brain.

According to the lesion focus, the disease is cortical, subcortical, stem and cerebellar lesions.

Encephalitis can occur in acute, subacute, recurrent and chronic forms. According to the severity, the disease is divided into:

• moderate severity;
• heavy;
• extremely difficult.

Anyone can get encephalitis, but it is most common in the elderly and children. The risk category includes people whose immunity is weakened under any influence, for example, cancer patients, HIV-infected or after prolonged use of steroids.

Causes of occurrence

A common cause of encephalitis is a virus infection (herpes simplex virus or herpes zoster virus, cytomegalovirus). Diffuse forms often occur against the background of the course of prion diseases (progressive, degenerative diseases of the nervous tissue, characterized by abnormal protein transformation) and HIV status.

Meningitis often develops as a result of infection with meningococci and other coccal bacteria (streptococci, pneumococci). Inflammation of non-infectious genesis occurring in the membranes of the brain occurs due to the following reasons:

• Autoimmune diseases (lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis).
• Taking medications (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, some antibiotics). Noninfectious meningitis is often diagnosed in patients with a history of autoimmune disease who are taking NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs).
• The ingress of liquid contents of the cyst into the subarachnoid space. A common cause of cyst formation in the brain tissue is cysticercosis (helminthic invasion - infection with a tapeworm).

A brain abscess develops as a result of the spread of intracranial infection (osteomyelitis, sinusitis), TBI, penetrating wounds in the head, neurosurgical interventions. Often, the cause of the formation of a purulent focus is an infectious lesion of the body (for example, bacterial endocarditis), which is transmitted to the central nervous system in a hematogenous way - through the bloodstream.

Symptoms

The development time of meningococcal infection in the body is five to six days, sometimes the incubation period can be up to ten days. The duration depends on the pathogen.

Symptoms of inflammation of the lining of the brain in the bacterial form usually appear unexpectedly. Symptoms of the disease with a viral type of infection can appear both suddenly and within a few days.

The most common symptoms of meningitis in adults are:

• incessant pain in the head;
• shortness of breath, rapid pulse;
• intolerance to light and sound;
• blue discoloration of the nasolabial area;
• heat;
• soreness of muscles and joints;
• difficult to turn or lower the neck;
• vomiting, weakness, decreased appetite.

Signs in children include fever, nervousness, decreased appetite, vomiting, rash, and tight spinal muscles and limbs. The kid cries when they try to pick him up, the child cannot calm down for a long time.

Encephalitis most often develops suddenly, while the patient's state of health is rapidly deteriorating, and characteristic symptoms of inflammation of the lining of the brain appear. The first signs of encephalitis:

1. Violent, pressing headache that extends over the entire head.
2. The temperature rises to 38 and above.
3. Weakness.
4. Intoxication.
5. Vomiting, after which there is no improvement in well-being.
6. Drowsiness and lethargy, there may be a state of a stopper with a lack of response to any external stimuli (bright light, loud sound, tingling) or coma.

What do black and white spots on MRI scans mean?

The MRI scans show signs of pathologies that cause impaired nervous activity. The detection of inconsistencies in the color of tissues, echogenicity, the size of individual sections of the cortex or brain structures indicates the development of a pathological process. This can be the formation of foci of demyelination, the development of neoplasms, tissue edema, impaired cerebral circulation, replacement of nerve fibers by glial cells. The images may show the formation of darkening, bursting blood vessels may be one of the reasons for this phenomenon.

Demyelinating pathologies

Demyelinating pathologies develop due to the destruction of the myelin sheaths of nerve fibers. As a result, the transmission of nerve impulses is disrupted, which adversely affects the functioning of the nervous system.

This group of pathologies includes multiple sclerosis, progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy, Marburg disease, acute disseminating encephalomyelitis, Devik's disease.

Single or multiple white spots appear on the images, located in one or all parts of the brain. Their number and size depend on the stage of the disease.

Virchow-Robin perivascular spaces

Perivascular spaces form along blood vessels located in both hemispheres of the brain. They have a small volume, therefore, in the absence of a disease, they are not visible on MRI scans.

When a pre-stroke condition develops, they expand as intracranial pressure rises. This is due to an increase in cerebrospinal fluid circulation. The echogenicity of this area increases, which appears as a white spot.

Alzheimer's disease foci

In Alzheimer's disease, MRI detects a decrease in the thickness of the cerebral cortex. In this case, not light, but dark spots are recorded, indicating a deterioration in the performance of the organ. At the initial stages of the disease, according to the results of one study, the diagnosis is not made; a procedure is required for observation in dynamics. The progression of the disease is evidenced by the gradual thinning of the gray matter.

Edema of the medulla

In the area of \u200b\u200bedema of the medulla, light spots are visualized perifocally. In the absence of timely treatment, the pathological process gradually spreads throughout the brain. The areas of highlighting become more and more, the picture in the pictures becomes blurry. This is due to a sharp increase in tissue echogenicity.

Diagnostics

The following procedures help to confirm the diagnosis:

• Blood and urine tests.
• Magnetic resonance imaging.
• CT scan.
• A study of the cerebral fluid is carried out, while the stage of the disease is revealed, its form and cause are revealed.

Treatment of inflammation of the membranes of the brain is always developed for each patient individually and depends on the type of infection, the causes and form of the course.

Complications

In the absence of the necessary treatment for inflammatory processes of the brain, the following pathologies can develop:

• Paralysis.
• Visual impairment.
• The appearance of epileptic seizures.
• Renal and hepatic failure develops.
• Dysfunction of the musculoskeletal system.
• Strabismus.
• Impaired memory and hearing.
• The work of the cardio muscle is deteriorating.

The main complication of brain inflammation is the death of the patient. It occurs when the patient is not treated for five to eight days after the onset of the disease.

A brief excursion into the anatomy of the central nervous system

The human brain is a complex organ that is responsible for the work of the whole organism. A clear hierarchy is traced in the structure of the brain, which allows the entire body to work effectively. As part of the central nervous system, several main parts can be distinguished:

1. The cerebral cortex is responsible for the higher nervous activity, i.e. thought processes, speech, memory, writing, hearing and many other functions.
2. Subcortical structures that form the midbrain. Midbrain is responsible for the primary reflex links and the formation of unconditioned reflexes.
3. The bridge is a connecting link between all parts of the central nervous system and the cerebral cortex.
4. Cerebellum. It is located in the lower occipital part of the head and is responsible for the coordination of a person in space.
5. The medulla oblongata - connects the brain with the spinal cord and is its continuation. In the medulla oblongata there are vital centers: vasomotor and respiratory.

Prevention

Vaccination is considered the main preventive measure against meningitis. Vaccination is optional. It can be done at will. It is also recommended to avoid contact with people who are showing symptoms of meningitis.

Also, vaccination is carried out against encephalitis. In order to prevent excessive spread of infection, vaccinations are given to people living or working in areas of possible infection. Usually, the encephalitis vaccination consists of three shots and gives immunity for three years. Preventive measures against encephalitis of the secondary type require timely diagnosis and correctly selected treatment of infectious diseases.

The perivascular spaces are named after two scientists. However, as is often the case, another person first discovered this area. This was done in 1843 by Durand Fardel.

Only 10 years later, the German scientist Rudolf Virchow described in detail the structure of this area. This fact is surprising given that a conventional microscope was used for the study.

A few years later, his French colleague clarified that this is not just a gap, but a channel inside which a cerebral vessel passes.

Inflammation of the lining of the spinal cord

Myelitis is a dangerous disease of the spinal cord, which entails serious consequences that affect the entire life of a person who has had this disease. Only timely detection of pathology and proper treatment can get rid of all symptoms and manifestations. Pathology develops very quickly. It is important to exclude self-medication and consult experienced doctors in time.

Myelitis is primary and secondary. In the first case, the gray and white matter of the spinal cord is initially affected. In the second case, inflammation is the result of other ailments. Viruses and bacteria are often the causative agents of myelitis.

Cancer patients undergoing radiation therapy often develop radiation myelitis. It manifests itself six months after the end of the treatment of the underlying disease. Doctors and patients are most often prepared for such a complication, therefore, therapy for an inflamed spinal cord begins on time and gives a positive result.

Another factor in the development of myelitis can be severe hypothermia. At low temperatures, human immunity decreases, so at this moment bacteria and viruses can penetrate into the spinal cord and actively multiply.

The disease develops rapidly, the symptoms appear on the rise. Among the main features are the following:

• temperature increase;
• chills;
• dizziness;
• muscle weakness;
• back pain.

Signs that appear at the onset of the disease are characteristic of many pathologies, a little later myelitis symptoms begin to appear. Only qualified medical professionals can determine the diagnosis.

Several forms of myelitis are known, depending on the location of the inflammation and the degree of brain damage. Each type of pathology has its own symptoms and signs. Painful sensations can occur in different parts of the back. The stage of development of the disease is no less important. At the initial stage, it can be pain in the back and during the raising of the head and neck, two to three days after that the patient may experience paralysis.

What other inflammations are there?

The inflammatory process in the brain usually has a rather acute course and many consequences. Inflammation of the arachnoid membrane of the brain (arachnoiditis) is one of the varieties of diseases of this group. Arachnoiditis refers to serous inflammatory processes, in which blood circulation is impaired and the walls of the capillaries weaken. Due to these pathological processes, lymph begins to seep into soft tissues and stagnate there. Over time, edema develops, the temperature rises, and symptoms similar to meningitis develop.

Who is at risk

Any disease has its own risk groups. People belonging to such groups should carefully monitor their health and, at the first suspicious symptoms, immediately consult a doctor. With focal pathologies, this group includes patients:

• Hypertensive, hypotonic disease.
• Diabetes.
• Atherosclerosis.
• Rheumatism.
• Obese.
• Sensitive, emotional people living in constant stress.
• Leading a sedentary life.
• Elderly people, regardless of gender (from 55-60 years old).

They also provoke the development of vascular pathologies:

• Meteorological dependence.
• Alcohol abuse.
• Osteochondrosis.
• Addiction.
• Arrhythmia.
• Aneurysms of the vessels of the brain.

Meningitis is an inflammatory process in the membranes of the brain and spinal cord. The disease is relatively rare, it can be caused by various reasons, usually an infection. The patient is contagious to the people around him, the disease can cause serious complications, up to and including death.

What are the meninges?

The human brain is surrounded by three membranes:

• Pia mater adjoins directly to the brain tissue. Of the four-legged vertebrates, only mammals have it. Consists of loose connective tissue.
• Arachnoid... Located between the hard and pia mater. Below it is the subarachnoid space, which contains the cerebrospinal fluid and blood vessels.
• Dura mater... Located outside, adjacent to the bones of the skull. Consists of dense connective tissue. In some places it splits and forms cavities - sinuses, along which venous blood flows.

Inflammation of the pia mater and arachnoid meninges is called leptomeningitis, and the dura mater is called pachymeningitis.

Meningitis is a disease that can be life threatening and can lead to serious complications. Only a timely visit to a neurologist helps to prevent them.

Types of meningitis

There are different classifications of the disease, one of them, depending on which meninges are affected by the inflammatory process, we have already considered. The following types of meningitis are also distinguished:

The disease can develop at different rates. Depending on this criterion, a lightning-fast, acute, subacute, chronic course is distinguished. Pathology can be mild, moderate and severe.

Meningitis treatment

Treatment for meningitis in adults is determined by the cause.

For bacterial infections, intravenous antibiotics are prescribed as soon as possible. The choice of antibiotics and their combinations is determined by the sensitivity of the microorganisms. Until the doctor receives the results of bacteriological analysis from the laboratory, he prescribes broad-spectrum drugs.

Also used are glucocorticoids - adrenal cortex preparations that suppress inflammation. They help prevent cerebral edema and seizures.

Inflammation of the meninges and brain can form under the influence of factors such as: bacteria (meningococci, pneumococci), viruses and protozoa. Depending on the factor causing the development of the disease, it can be unexpected and very violent (meningococci) or slowly progressive and latent (tuberculosis).

Inflammation of the brain can also be caused by non-infectious factors, which include: brain tumors, leukemias, lead poisoning, or taking a drug such as methotrexate.

Causes of inflammation of the meninges and brain

Many bacteria, viruses or fungi can cause inflammation of the brain and meninges. The viruses that most commonly cause meningitis include enteroviruses, arthroponous viruses, ECHO, HSV-2, Coxsackie viruses, polio viruses, influenza A and B viruses, or measles virus.

Among bacteria, most cases of brain inflammation were recorded as a result of infection with Neisseria meningitidis (diplococcus), Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococci), Haemophilus influenzae type B, among fungi - Cryptococcus neoformans, Coccidioides immitis.

The main cause of etiological encephalitis is neurotropic viruses. The most common - vesicular inflammation of the brain - is caused by the herpes virus. Inflammation of the brain can also be caused by some protozoa.

Non-infectious causes of meninges and brain inflammation include tumors (leukemia, cancer of the lymphatic tissue, brain tumors, brain metastases), sarcoidosis, lead poisoning, and the use of certain drugssuch as methotrexate.

Symptoms of inflammation of the meninges and brain

The disease develops very quickly and its first symptom is headache. In typical cases, in addition to severe headache, nausea and vomiting, fever and chills also occur. The patient has a stiff neck, etc. Brudzinsky's symptoms.

• cervical symptoms - passive flexion of the head to the chest;
• zygomatic symptoms - when pressing on the cheek below the zygomatic arch, the patient reflexively flexes his arms at the elbow joints and lifts his shoulders;
• pubic symptoms - with pressure on the pubis, the legs bend at the knee and hip joints.

Some patients develop hypersensitivity to stimuli, agitation, frustration, and even loss of consciousness. When it comes to brain damage, seizures appear.

Diagnosis and treatment of inflammation of the meninges

Inflammation of the meninges and brain is diagnosed only when a sample of cerebrospinal fluid is examined - that is, it is detected increased content protein and white blood cell count.

A causal treatment is used, which consists in eradicating the pathogen that caused the disease. Therefore, antimicrobial drugs are used (antibiotics, for example, penicillin, aminoglycosides, third generation cephalosporins), antituberculosis and antifungal drugs. In the case of a viral infection, it is impossible to eliminate the cause, therefore symptomatic treatment is prescribed, and in extremely severe cases, antiviral drugs and interferon.

Vaccines are also available on the market against certain pathogens that cause inflammation of the meninges. These are drugs against meningococci, Haemophilus influenzae type B and tick-borne meningitis virus. Encephalitis and meningitis are considered as a serious threat to the patient's life, since even with a mild course, they can lead to serious complications.

Inflammation of the meninges of the brain - the most dangerous disease, threatening the onset of irreversible consequences and often fatal. Meningitis, transferred in childhood, often causes the development of blindness, deafness, mental retardation from peers. Many people who were healed were left disabled. Everyone, without exception, should know about what symptoms can be noticed, and about the preventive measures necessary so as not to get meningitis.

What causes meningitis?

Pathological processes of the lining of the brain are conventionally divided into purulent and serous. Another classification of the disease makes it possible to distinguish the main forms from its varieties. Meningitis can be chronic, acute, and fulminant. Viruses, pathogenic bacteria, and protozoa are capable of provoking the development and progression of diseases of the membranes of the brain. Depending on the type of pathogen, damage to the hard or soft shell can be as follows:

• purulent (provoked by fungi and protozoa);
• serous viral (the most common pathogens that cause the disease are enterovirus, herpes virus, mumps, flu);
• serous bacterial (pathogens are staphylococcus, meningococcus, tubercle bacillus, streptococcus and others).

Meningitis never appears as an independent disease. The first symptoms of a dangerous ailment most often arise as a result of the precedence of such pathological conditions of the body:

• craniocerebral trauma, damage to the hard, soft shell;
• inflammatory processes in the middle ear;
• complication of typhoid, pyemia, tuberculosis, rheumatism, measles, herpes and other infectious diseases.

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The cause of inflammatory processes in the lining of the brain of a non-infectious nature can be oncological disease. In particular, acute meningitis is often a sign of leukemia, malignant processes in the lymphatic tissues. Inflammation localized to the dura mater of the brain can result from lead poisoning.

Features of the manifestation of symptoms in meningitis

Timely treatment is the key to early recovery and recovery. The first symptoms will help to recognize the disease as early as possible. When they appear, you should pay close attention to your state of health and in the near future consult a doctor for the necessary examination. Treatment based on the principles of identifying signs of pathology and its accurate diagnosis will allow you to choose the correct therapeutic regimen and prevent the onset of negative complications of meningitis.

The difficulty of early recognition of the disease lies in the peculiarities of its manifestations. For example, the main symptoms of inflammation in the dura mater of the brain — cephalalgia and fever — are mistaken for a respiratory viral infection. A patient, undergoing treatment for a cold at home, is in no hurry to seek qualified medical help, hoping for a speedy recovery. Meanwhile, his condition is rapidly deteriorating, additional symptoms appear:

Other signs of meningitis

In addition, the patient becomes sensitive not only to loud sounds, but also to ordinary conversation, which can cause him irritation and anger. At this stage, non-accepted therapeutic measures contribute to the addition of more serious manifestations of a progressive disease.

The following symptoms in inflammation of the dura mater are dyspeptic disorders and loss of control of urination. Delusions and hallucinations also indicate damage to the centers of the brain. The chronic form of meningitis is characterized by psycho-emotional disorders, the development of dementia.

A separate group includes specific signs of the disease. If the above conditions cannot always be mistaken for meningitis, then the so-called Brudzinsky symptoms will not allow you to make a mistake with the assumption of inflammation of the hard or soft shell of the brain:

• muscle rigidity in the back of the head, inability to bend the head and touch the neck with the chin;
• when pressing on the cheek area just below the cheekbones, you can notice reflex flexion of the elbow and shoulder joints.
• when exposed to the pubis, the legs are bent in the knee and hip joint.

Research procedures for inflammation in the meninges

All patients with suspected meningitis undergo several stages of medical examination to confirm the diagnosis. Among the methods of instrumental diagnosis of inflammation of the meninges, the most important is lumbar puncture. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid samples allows specialists to conclude about the degree of inflammation in the hard shell, identify the causative agent that caused the symptoms of the disease, and determine its sensitivity to a particular antibacterial drug.

In addition to lumbar puncture, a patient with meningitis may be assigned to undergo such research activities:

• general urine analysis to determine the functional usefulness of the urinary system;
• a clinical blood test to clarify the main blood parameters (the level of leukocytes, erythrocytes, monocytes, eosinophils, hemoglobin and others);
• magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography for objective assessment the consequences that affected the hemispheres and affected the functioning of the brain.

The symptoms of meningitis and the results of the examination largely determine the treatment. It depends on the severity of the pathological process, as well as the occurrence of complications, whether the patient will undergo therapy within the walls of a medical institution or in outpatient setting... Patients with mild inflammation can be treated without round-the-clock supervision and assistance of medical staff.

Nuances of complex treatment of meningitis

Drug therapy for pathology of the dura mater in the brain is carried out in a complex manner. The first stage, unleashing the fight against the most serious illness, is etiotropic treatment. Today, doctors are trying to destroy pathogens with the help of antibiotics, antifungal and antiviral medicines, depending on the etiology of the disease.

Antibacterial drugs are often injected directly into the spinal canal.

An equally important task during the therapy of inflammation is to reduce intracranial pressure. For this, diuretics, hormonal drugs can be prescribed. Their use is aimed at lowering pressure by relieving swelling and reducing cerebrospinal fluid production. They can be prescribed in solid tablet form for oral administration or intravenous: in the form of dropper solutions.

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Eliminating the pathogen is only half of a successful treatment. It is equally important to remove the toxic products of its vital activity from the body, which will make it possible to achieve significant relief of the general condition of the patient. Infusion therapycarried out by drip intravenous infusion of colloidal solutions is carried out in parallel with etiotropic.

Symptomatic treatment of meningitis is aimed at relieving its manifestations. Painkillers, antipyretics, anticonvulsants, as well as antihistamines, antiemetics and other medicines are often referred to drugs for eliminating the uncomfortable signs of the disease.

With a mild degree of inflammation, positive dynamics can often be observed after 4-5 days. Despite the most powerful treatment, residual effects of the disease can remain for up to several months. Headache, a periodic increase in intracranial pressure subsequently will often remind of a serious illness. Meningitis treatment - difficult process, but even more difficulties can arise when eliminating the negative consequences of the disease.

Inflammation of the membranes of the brain (Meningocephalitis) occurs in all species of animals, more often dogs and horses are ill. In animals, in most cases, meningitis is accompanied by simultaneous inflammation of the dura mater (Pachymeningitis), soft (Leptomeningitis) and arachnoid (Arachno\u003e.

Etiology. The main cause of meningoencephalitis is infection. The most important in animals are viral encephalomyelitis caused by neurotropic viruses (enzootic encephalomyelitis, rabies) or pantrotropic viruses (Aujeszky's disease, classical and African plague, malignant catarrhal fever). Meningoencephalitis in animals can develop with leptospirosis and bacterial infections (tuberculosis, listeriosis, colibacillosis and diplococcal infection, carnivorous plague, infectious equine encephalomyelitis). Meningoencephalitis can develop as a secondary disease with penetrating trauma to the skull, during the transition inflammatory process from closely spaced tissues ( frontal sinuses, middle ear, eyes, ethmoid bone), with osteomyelitis, surgical sepsis, endometritis, endocarditis and purulent - necrotic processes. Contributes to the occurrence of meningitis, bruises and concussions of the brain, an allergic condition due to colds and intoxication, weakening of the general resistance of the body as a result of overheating, overwork, prolonged transportation of the animal and vitamin and mineral starvation.

Pathogenesis. In meningoencephalitis of bacterial etiology, the infectious agent enters the meninges and the brain by the lymphogenous or hematogenous route, with liquor from the subdural or subarachnoid spaces. Neurotropic viruses enter the central nervous system along nerve pathways. The reproduction of the pathogen that has entered the brain is accompanied by inflammatory and dystrophic processes in the capillary endothelium, destructive processes in the nerve cells. In most animals, the inflammatory process begins in the membranes of the brain and goes to the brain matter. The main form of the tissue reaction of the central nervous system during inflammation is arterial hyperemia with perivascular infiltration, limited by the mesenchyme around the vessels or widespread and on the surrounding perenchyma. As a result of malnutrition in nerve cells, degenerative changes develop, up to necrosis.

Hyperemia of cerebral vessels, exudation, obstructed outflow of lymph in the animal leads to an increase in intracranial pressure, a disorder of brain function and the occurrence of general cerebral phenomena. From where the localization of the inflammatory process will occur, a variety of focal symptoms appear in a sick animal.

The clinical picture. Clinically, meningitis manifests itself in an extremely diverse way, depending on the location of the inflammatory process and the degree of damage to the meninges.

Then the animal has a seizure of excitement, reaching a riot in which the animal seeks to free itself from the leash, rushes forward, rushes from side to side, makes manege movements, hits the surrounding objects, looks around with concern, trembles, snorts, hums. Breathing in the animal becomes sniffling, salivation appears, convulsive contractions of the muscles. With convulsive contractions of the chewing muscles, the saliva flowing out into foam. Periods of excitement, which in the animal usually last several minutes and rarely up to an hour, are replaced by sharp oppression: the sick animal is unable to stay on its feet, falls, rises with difficulty. Having risen from the floor, the sick animal stands indifferently, with its head lowered.

With focal brain damage, the animal develops trembling eyeball (nystagmus), uneven expansion of the pupil (anisocoria), strabismus, convulsive contractions of the muscles of the lips, ears, turning into paralysis of the muscles of the face, eyelids, tongue and pharynx.

Periods of depression alternate with agitation until the animal is comatose.

The body temperature of sick animals is elevated, during the course of the disease it fluctuates. During the period of excitement, the pulse and respiration rate in a sick animal increases, and during the period of depression it slows down. There is no chewing gum, we register scar hypotension (scar contractions are sharply weakened), intestinal motility is slowed down and weakened, abdominal walls are tense upon palpation.