Pneumococcal meningitis is a type of bacterial meningitis that is caused by the bacteria Streptococcus pneumoniae, which is also the infectious agent responsible for pneumonia. This bacteria can inflame the meninges, which is the tissue that protects the nervous system, leading to the appearance of signs and symptoms of meningitis, such as difficulty moving the neck, mental confusion and delirium.
This disease is serious and must be treated in the hospital by administering antibiotics to combat the 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.
Learn more about the treatment of bacterial meningitis in the following video:
Main symptoms
The main symptoms of pneumococcal meningitis are:
- Fever above 38º C;
- Constant vomiting and nausea;
- Redness all over the body;
- Difficulty moving the neck;
- Hypersensitivity to light;
- Confusion and delusions;
- Seizures.
Furthermore, when this type of meningitis appears in babies it can also cause other signs such as deep fontanelles, refusal to eat, excessive irritability or very rigid or completely soft legs and arms, like a rag doll.
Pneumococcal meningitis occurs more easily in people who have a weaker immune system, which favors the proliferation of bacteria related to this type of meningitis, the Streptococcus pneumoniaewhich can reach the bloodstream and travel to the brain, resulting in inflammation of the meninges and leading to the appearance of symptoms.
Online symptom test
To find out if you have meningitis, please select the symptoms you are experiencing below:
This test is a tool that only serves as a means of guidance and, therefore, is not intended to provide a diagnosis or replace consultation with an infectious disease specialist, neurologist or general practitioner.
How transmission happens
Transmission of this bacteria can happen from person to person through droplets of saliva and secretions from the nose and throat that can remain suspended in the air, however, the development of the disease does not necessarily happen, as it depends on other factors related to the person. , such as immunity and whether the person is vaccinated or not.
Which doctor to consult
The best doctor to make the diagnosis and recommend the most appropriate treatment is a neurologist. However, when symptoms suggestive of meningitis appear, it is very important to receive immediate care and go to the emergency room quickly.
The diagnosis of pneumococcal meningitis is normally made by the doctor by observing the symptoms, however, it is necessary to carry out an examination of the spinal fluid, which is the substance inside the spine. In this exam, known as a lumbar puncture, the doctor inserts a needle into one of the joints of the spine and removes a little liquid to be evaluated in the laboratory and confirm the presence of the bacteria.
How the treatment is carried out
Pneumococcal meningitis should be treated as quickly as possible to avoid complications such as hearing loss or cerebral palsy and increase the chances of a cure. Treatment generally lasts around 2 weeks and is carried out in hospital with antibiotics. In addition, corticosteroids may also be needed to reduce inflammation in the membranes of the brain and relieve pain.
In the most serious cases, where meningitis is identified very late or the disease is developing very quickly, assistance in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) may be necessary to remain under constant observation.
Possible sequels
This type of meningitis is one of the most aggressive forms of the disease and, therefore, even with correct treatment there is some chance of having sequelae, such as hearing loss, cerebral palsy, speech problems, epilepsy or loss of vision. Find out 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, it is necessary to maintain medical monitoring after discharge, especially after 4 weeks, which is when a hearing test should be carried out, for example. example.
How to protect yourself
The best way to avoid developing pneumococcal meningitis is through vaccination against meningitis, which is included in the vaccination schedule and must be done in the first year of the baby’s life, with the first dose administered at 2 months of age. Understand how the vaccination schedule works.
