Disease or Syndrome
meningitis
men·in·gi·tis [ men-in-jahy-tis ]
Etymology:
Greek meninx = membrane + -itis = inflammation
Also called:
Spinal meningitis
Definitions related to meningitis:
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A disorder characterized by acute inflammation of the meninges of the brain and/or spinal cord.NCI ThesaurusU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Inflammation of the coverings of the brain and/or spinal cord, which consist of the PIA MATER; ARACHNOID; and DURA MATER. Infections (viral, bacterial, and fungal) are the most common causes of this condition, but subarachnoid hemorrhage (HEMORRHAGES, SUBARACHNOID), chemical irritation (chemical MENINGITIS), granulomatous conditions, neoplastic conditions (CARCINOMATOUS MENINGITIS), and other inflammatory conditions may produce this syndrome. (From Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1994, Ch24, p6)NLM Medical Subject HeadingsU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.NICHD Pediatric TerminologyU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Inflammation of the meninges (three thin layers of tissue that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord). Meningitis is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection, but sometimes is caused by cancer, drug allergies, or inflammatory diseases.NCI Dictionary of Cancer TermsU.S. National Cancer Institute, 2021
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Inflammation of the meninges.Human Phenotype Ontology (HPO)The Human Phenotype Ontology Project, 2021
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Meningitis is inflammation of the thin tissue that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, called the meninges. There are several types of meningitis. The most common is viral meningitis. You get it when a virus enters the body through the nose or mouth and travels to the brain. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be deadly. It usually starts with bacteria that cause a cold-like infection. It can cause stroke, hearing loss, and brain damage. It can also harm other organs. Pneumococcal infections and meningococcal infections are the most common causes of bacterial meningitis. Anyone can get meningitis, but it is more common in people with weak immune systems. Meningitis can get serious very quickly. You should get medical care right away if you have A sudden high fever; A severe headache; A stiff neck; Nausea or vomiting. Early treatment can help prevent serious problems, including death. Tests to diagnose meningitis include blood tests, imaging tests, and a spinal tap to test cerebrospinal fluid. Antibiotics can treat bacterial meningitis. Antiviral medicines may help some types of viral meningitis. Other medicines can help treat symptoms. There are vaccines to prevent some of the bacterial infections that cause meningitis. NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and StrokeMedlinePlusU.S. National Library of Medicine, 2021
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Swelling of the membranes that cover and protect the brain and spinal cord.Harvard Dictionary of Health TermsHarvard Medical Publishing, 2011
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A disorder characterized by acute inflammation of the meninges of the brain and/or spinal cord.Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse EventsU.S. National Institutes of Health, 2021
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Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges and subarachnoid space. It may result from infections, other disorders, or reactions to drugs. Severity and acuity vary. Findings typically include headache, fever, and nuchal rigidity, Diagnosis is by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Treatment includes antimicrobial drugs as indicated plus...Merck & Co., Inc., 2020
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Infections of the central nervous system (CNS) can be divided into 2 broad categories: those primarily involving the meninges (meningitis; see the image below) and those primarily confined to the parenchyma (encephalitis).Meningitis is a clinical syndrome characterized by inflammation of the meninges, the 3 layers of membranes that...WebMD, 2019
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Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes (meninges) surrounding your brain and spinal cord.Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research
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Meningitis, inflammation of the meninges, the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis can be caused by various infectious agents, including viruses, fungi, and protozoans, but bacteria produce the most life-threatening forms. The patient usually experiences fever, headache...Encyclopedia Britannica, Inc., 2020
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