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Ency. home > Disease > M > Meningitis - pneumococcal

Meningitis - pneumococcal    See images

Overview | Symptoms | Treatment | Prevention

Alternative names:

Pneumococcal meningitis; Spinal meningitis (one type)

Definition:

An inflammation or infection of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord caused by the Pneumococcus bacterium.

Causes and Risks

Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of meningitis in adults, and the second most common cause of meningitis in children older than 6. The onset of symptoms is usually rapid. Risk factors include recurrent meningitis, meningitis associated with CSF leak, NIDDM, injury or trauma to the head, alcohol use, recent pneumonia, recent upper respiratory infection, infective endocarditis, or recent ear infection. About 15,000 cases a year occur in the U.S.

Ency. home > Disease > M > Meningitis - pneumococcal

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