Central Nervous System Infection

Definition of a central nervous system infection
The central nervous system includes the brain and spinal cord. Called "center" because the system is the center of information and coordination throughout the body. Central nervous system infections are caused by viral or bacterial infections that can attack the meninges or brain wall (meningitis) or the brain (encephalitis).
Additional explanation
The symptoms

Symptoms caused by infection of the central nervous system vary with age. In infants, symptoms include:

Body temperature is too high or too low
Eating problems (refusal to eat)
vomit
Excessive agitation or crying
Slamming lips, chewing involuntarily, looking in various directions, convulsions
sluggish
If meningitis (inflammation of the lining of the brain) becomes severe, points on the skull bones (called fontanels) can swell due to increased pressure inside the skull.

In children and adults, symptoms of meningitis include:

fever
Headache
vomit
Sore throat, cough, runny nose
Stiff neck
Confusion or loss of consciousness
Sensitivity to light
Back pain
Some people have stroke symptoms, including paralysis
convulsions

Meningitis can cause coma death within a few hours if you do not receive immediate treatment.
The cause

Viruses that infect the central nervous system, such as herpes viruses, arboviruses, coxsackie viruses, echoviruses and enteroviruses. Viruses can damage the central nervous system in two ways: by infecting the brain directly and causing brain swelling, or by infecting other parts of the body that interfere with the immune system and damage the nerves. In infants, infants can be infected with the virus due to contact with the infected birth canal, or by inhaling droplets or sparks that contain the virus.

Central nervous system infections can also be caused by bacteria. The types of bacteria that can attack the central nervous system differ depending on the person's age, route of infection and immune system. In infants and children, infections can be caused by the bacteria Streptococcus agalactiae, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes. If the baby is infected within 48 hours of birth, the infection is usually transmitted to the mother. In adolescents and adults, infections are usually caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis (highly contagious through respiration) and Streptococcus pneumoniae. In addition, Staphylococcus aureus can also cause severe meningitis.

In addition to viruses and bacteria, meningitis can also be caused by fungus.
diagnosis
To diagnose central nervous system infections, you can do the following tests:

Lumbar puncture (lumbar puncture) examination by inserting a needle into the base of the spine to collect samples of cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spine. The fluid is controlled to see what type of infection causes meningitis
Blood test to see the cause of infection
Electroencephalography, examination of brain waves to diagnose encephalitis caused by the herpes virus
MRI or CT scan may be needed to confirm the diagnosis

treatment
Treatment of central nervous system infections depends on the type of infection that causes meningitis.

Bacterial meningitis

If the diagnosis shows that meningitis is caused by a bacterial infection, treatment with antibiotics is then applied. Other drugs, such as corticosteroids, can also be given to help reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling or convulsions.

Viral meningitis

There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Patients usually recover with rest and add bodily fluids. Paracetamol can be used to relieve headache and fever symptoms. Infants with viral meningitis need supportive care with a sense of warmth and plenty of fluids and drugs to treat fever or seizures. Antivirals are not effective for most central nervous system infections and viral meningitis is not treated with antibiotics. However, infections caused by the herpes simplex virus can be treated with intravenous acyclovir.

Fungal meningitis

Fungal meningitis is treated with oral and intravenous antifungals.
prevention
vaccinate
Live a clean and healthy life. Wash hands with soap and water after urinating, before eating and after eating.
Avoid mosquito bites to prevent transmission of the virus by mosquitoes
Give antibiotics (ciprofloxacin or ceftriaxon) to family members with meningitis
Separate the patient with bacterial meningitis for 24 hours so that it is not contagious

Doctor's information
When to see a doctor?
Seek immediate medical attention if you or a family member has symptoms of a central nervous system infection such as:

fever
Severe headache
confusion
vomit
Stiff neck

If you live with family members or friends with meningitis or encephalitis, you need medication or a vaccine to prevent infection.
What should be prepared before consulting a doctor?

Central nervous system infections can be life threatening. If you have experienced meningitis and bacterial symptoms, contact your doctor or doctor immediately for treatment. If you are not sure about your symptoms, make an appointment with a doctor. Some things you can prepare before seeing a doctor, for example:

Be careful or avoid things you must do or avoid before consulting, such as fasting or resting before checking yourself.
Write down the symptoms that you are experiencing, including changes in mood, mind, or behavior.
Explain personal information, such as where you live (up or up), vacation history, pet interactions, and vaccination history.
Write a list of medications, vitamins, or supplements you use.
Ask a family member or friend to accompany you. Meningitis can be an emergency. Invite someone who can remind you of all information and support you.
Write questions to the doctor, such as what kind of tests are needed, what treatments are recommended by the doctor, what are the risks of long-term complications, which medications can be used to cure, if the disease is contagious, etc.

What will the doctor do during the consultation?
Your doctor may ask you questions like: