A pretty 17 year old senior who was found dead by her mother in her home may have succumbed to bacterial meningitis. The mother called 9-1-1 but her daughter was pronounced dead at the hospital.
The mother told authorities that her daughter recently was treated for laryngitis.
One has to wonder if this was a misdiagnosis and grounds for medical malpractice?
The school district asked the parents not to panic or speculate as to what happened.
Fat chance.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Friday, January 30, 2009
Meningitis Pnemonia is Drug Resistant
According to University of Pittsburgh research published recently in the New England Journal of Medicine, a childhood vaccine once reduced rates of a deadly bacterial disease that causes brain swelling in children and adults. The bad news is that overuse of antibiotics is allowing the pneumococcal bacteria to build drug resistance, causing rates of pneumococcal meningitis to appear.
Two things are happening: Among the cases that occur, drugs are resistant there’s an emergence of pneumococcal strains not included in the original vaccine.
Pneumococcal meningitis happens when the bacteria that causes pneumonia infect spinal fluid. It is more common in children younger than 2 whose immune systems don't build natural resistance to the bacteria.
Two things are happening: Among the cases that occur, drugs are resistant there’s an emergence of pneumococcal strains not included in the original vaccine.
Pneumococcal meningitis happens when the bacteria that causes pneumonia infect spinal fluid. It is more common in children younger than 2 whose immune systems don't build natural resistance to the bacteria.
Friday, December 26, 2008
Causes Of Meningitis- Meningitis-Bacterial Meningitis-Viral Meningitis
Meningitis affects the brain and the spinal column; hence it can be one of the most dangerous infections of all. One of the most important ways to learn how to deal with this condition is to learn what are the causes of meningitis.
Meningitis can be a very frightening condition to contract. It specifically refers to infections that occur in the membranes that surround both the spinal column and the brain. As these are both important parts of the human body, it goes without saying that these infections can be highly dangerous. They are usually caused by bacteria and viruses.
One of the main reasons why meningitis is often misdiagnosed is because the symptoms are similar to those of flu. The symptoms can be as commonplace as headache, fever and mild disorientation. In more serious cases however, meningitis can lead to seizures, brain damage, strokes and even death.
Under normal conditions, your body's immune system will be able to handle the onslaught of any virus or bacteria. In the case of meningitis however, the infection quickly passes into the blood stream before it can be contained. From there, it is easily transported into the cerebrospinal fluid and then into the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The infection causes the membranes to swell and in severe cases, this can cause the nerve cells to rupture or even bleed in the brain.
There are different strains of meningitis but the most dangerous is one that is called Bacterial Meningitis. This causes an infection in the upper respiratory tract before traveling on to the brain. This form of meningitis can cause strokes, brain damage and in some cases, death.
The most common form of meningitis is known as Viral Meningitis. Thankfully, this is a very mild and non-lethal strain but it can easily be transmitted from one person to another.
Meningitis can be a very frightening condition to contract. It specifically refers to infections that occur in the membranes that surround both the spinal column and the brain. As these are both important parts of the human body, it goes without saying that these infections can be highly dangerous. They are usually caused by bacteria and viruses.
One of the main reasons why meningitis is often misdiagnosed is because the symptoms are similar to those of flu. The symptoms can be as commonplace as headache, fever and mild disorientation. In more serious cases however, meningitis can lead to seizures, brain damage, strokes and even death.
Under normal conditions, your body's immune system will be able to handle the onslaught of any virus or bacteria. In the case of meningitis however, the infection quickly passes into the blood stream before it can be contained. From there, it is easily transported into the cerebrospinal fluid and then into the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The infection causes the membranes to swell and in severe cases, this can cause the nerve cells to rupture or even bleed in the brain.
There are different strains of meningitis but the most dangerous is one that is called Bacterial Meningitis. This causes an infection in the upper respiratory tract before traveling on to the brain. This form of meningitis can cause strokes, brain damage and in some cases, death.
The most common form of meningitis is known as Viral Meningitis. Thankfully, this is a very mild and non-lethal strain but it can easily be transmitted from one person to another.
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
College Freshmen and Meningitis Risk
Freshmen year of college is an exciting and often anxious time for students and their parents. Many are concerned about the pressures of college courses, getting good grades and attending the right parties. Also, many students are moving away from home for the first time and living in college dorms. This kind of communal living is a big change that often results in a lot of fun but can also increase a person’s risk of illness.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that college freshmen are particularly vulnerable to bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is a contagious disease that is easily spread. Simple things such as sharing a lipstick, a drink or a kiss can spread the disease. Therefore, people who live in the same household, attend the same day care or live in the same college dorm are at risk. College freshman tend to live in close quarters under conditions that are optimal for the transmission of the disease, which might account for their greater risk of contracting the disease.
Meningitis can come on suddenly which is another reason that it might spread among college freshmen. Often, people do not know they are sick until they become acutely ill. Therefore, they may share a cup or a kiss without a second thought although they are already contagious.
None of this is meant to discourage dorm living nor to scare college students or their parents.
Rather, it is meant to encourage students to speak with their doctors about available vaccines and precautions so that they can enjoy their first year of college. It is also meant to encourage anyone who thinks that they might be infected to seek immediate medical treatment and request that appropriate diagnostic tests be done as soon as possible so that treatment may be started and catastrophic complications might be avoided.
The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke reports that college freshmen are particularly vulnerable to bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is a contagious disease that is easily spread. Simple things such as sharing a lipstick, a drink or a kiss can spread the disease. Therefore, people who live in the same household, attend the same day care or live in the same college dorm are at risk. College freshman tend to live in close quarters under conditions that are optimal for the transmission of the disease, which might account for their greater risk of contracting the disease.
Meningitis can come on suddenly which is another reason that it might spread among college freshmen. Often, people do not know they are sick until they become acutely ill. Therefore, they may share a cup or a kiss without a second thought although they are already contagious.
None of this is meant to discourage dorm living nor to scare college students or their parents.
Rather, it is meant to encourage students to speak with their doctors about available vaccines and precautions so that they can enjoy their first year of college. It is also meant to encourage anyone who thinks that they might be infected to seek immediate medical treatment and request that appropriate diagnostic tests be done as soon as possible so that treatment may be started and catastrophic complications might be avoided.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Meningitis Vaccines: Effective or Not?
Did you know that there is a vaccine available for meningitis?
In fact many pediatricians administer the vaccine and many colleges encourage or require that incoming students be vaccinated. The vaccine is manufactured to prevent meningitis, an infection of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord that can be serious and even fatal. So, with the availability of a vaccine to protect against this dangerous infection, why hasn’t the disease gone the way of polio and been all but removed from the United States?
Is the vaccine effective?
There are several reasons why the meningitis vaccine has not been as effective as other vaccines. Perhaps, the most important reason is that the vaccines that are currently on the market do not protect against meningitis that is caused by type B bacteria and type B bacteria causes about one third of all meningitis cases. Further, the vaccines may not be effective if the person receiving the vaccine is acutely ill or on an immunosuppressive drug at the time he or she receives the vaccine. Another reason is that people who have sensitivities to thiomerosal or latex rubber should not receive the vaccine and they remain vulnerable to the infection.
It is also important to note that there are two meningitis vaccines on the market.
One of the vaccines is thought to provide long term protection. However, the other vaccine is only effective for 3-5 years. Therefore, when the vaccine wears off the person is once again vulnerable to the disease.
Facts about the vaccine
The vaccine takes between 7-10 days to become effective. Side effects of the vaccination are not usually severe but may include pain at the injection site, fever or headache. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of any vaccination, including the meningitis vaccination.
In fact many pediatricians administer the vaccine and many colleges encourage or require that incoming students be vaccinated. The vaccine is manufactured to prevent meningitis, an infection of the fluid around the brain and spinal cord that can be serious and even fatal. So, with the availability of a vaccine to protect against this dangerous infection, why hasn’t the disease gone the way of polio and been all but removed from the United States?
Is the vaccine effective?
There are several reasons why the meningitis vaccine has not been as effective as other vaccines. Perhaps, the most important reason is that the vaccines that are currently on the market do not protect against meningitis that is caused by type B bacteria and type B bacteria causes about one third of all meningitis cases. Further, the vaccines may not be effective if the person receiving the vaccine is acutely ill or on an immunosuppressive drug at the time he or she receives the vaccine. Another reason is that people who have sensitivities to thiomerosal or latex rubber should not receive the vaccine and they remain vulnerable to the infection.
It is also important to note that there are two meningitis vaccines on the market.
One of the vaccines is thought to provide long term protection. However, the other vaccine is only effective for 3-5 years. Therefore, when the vaccine wears off the person is once again vulnerable to the disease.
Facts about the vaccine
The vaccine takes between 7-10 days to become effective. Side effects of the vaccination are not usually severe but may include pain at the injection site, fever or headache. Talk to your doctor about the pros and cons of any vaccination, including the meningitis vaccination.
Sunday, December 7, 2008
Alert: Lyme Disease and Meningitis
Many people look forward to the warm weather months to enjoy hiking in the woods, playing in the backyard, and camping. However, with each passing year, there seems to be an increasing concern about the threat of Lyme Disease.
Occurrence and Prevention of Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease is usually transmitted through a tick bite. An infected tick must bite a human and remain attached for about 24 hours in order to transmit the disease.
The first line of defense should be to take appropriate precautions when outside. Wear long pants, long sleeves and socks when you are in wooded areas. Use insect repellent with Deet in order to keep ticks off. Also, keep as many leaves as possible out of your lawn since ticks seem to thrive in fallen leaves.
Next, when you come inside be sure to conduct regular tick checks at least once a day and to properly remove ticks as soon as they are discovered. The best way to remove a tick is with tweezers. Grab hold of the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull up in one motion. Check to make sure that all parts of the tick have been removed from your body.
People who regularly enjoy the outdoors or who live in a place with a high incidence of the disease, such as the Northeast United States, should be aware of the symptoms of the disease. Many, but not all, people who contract Lyme Disease get a red circular rash at the site of the tick bite. Other symptoms that might occur at this stage include headaches, fatigue, stiff neck, and muscle or joint pain.
It is important to take these precautions because Lyme Disease is a painful condition that can cause serious complications if left untreated. One of the complications concerns meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding a person’s spinal cord and brain. It is potentially fatal.
Lyme Disease Treatment
Of course, taking precautions are only effective if you get the proper medical treatment for the condition. Lyme Disease should be treated promptly with antibiotics which helps prevent the disease from progressing and avoiding the devastating complication of meningitis.
Occurrence and Prevention of Lyme Disease
Lyme Disease is usually transmitted through a tick bite. An infected tick must bite a human and remain attached for about 24 hours in order to transmit the disease.
The first line of defense should be to take appropriate precautions when outside. Wear long pants, long sleeves and socks when you are in wooded areas. Use insect repellent with Deet in order to keep ticks off. Also, keep as many leaves as possible out of your lawn since ticks seem to thrive in fallen leaves.
Next, when you come inside be sure to conduct regular tick checks at least once a day and to properly remove ticks as soon as they are discovered. The best way to remove a tick is with tweezers. Grab hold of the tick as close to your skin as possible and pull up in one motion. Check to make sure that all parts of the tick have been removed from your body.
People who regularly enjoy the outdoors or who live in a place with a high incidence of the disease, such as the Northeast United States, should be aware of the symptoms of the disease. Many, but not all, people who contract Lyme Disease get a red circular rash at the site of the tick bite. Other symptoms that might occur at this stage include headaches, fatigue, stiff neck, and muscle or joint pain.
It is important to take these precautions because Lyme Disease is a painful condition that can cause serious complications if left untreated. One of the complications concerns meningitis. Meningitis is an infection of the fluid surrounding a person’s spinal cord and brain. It is potentially fatal.
Lyme Disease Treatment
Of course, taking precautions are only effective if you get the proper medical treatment for the condition. Lyme Disease should be treated promptly with antibiotics which helps prevent the disease from progressing and avoiding the devastating complication of meningitis.
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Diagnosing Bacterial Meningitis: Who's to Blame?
Bacterial meningitis is a life threatening illness that is often difficult to diagnose.
In fact, trained physicians often have trouble distinguishing bacterial meningitis from the common flu. In some cases, treatment of bacterial meningitis is delayed until too late.
So, what obligation should first responders, such as police officers, have in recognizing the symptoms of bacterial meningitis? This question is among the issues raised by a Pennsylvania widow who blames the state police for her husband’s death from meningitis.
Yaffa Brautigam claims that the inaction on the part of the police officer led to her husband’s death. Her husband was home alone with their three sons, ages 7-10, when he became ill. The children became concerned and tried to reach their mother who was overseas at the time. The middle child decided to walk to the grocery store and was found by a neighbor. The neighbor called 911 and a state trooper responded the call.
According to the family, the trooper came to the house and talked the boys about not wandering in the streets. He then allegedly looked in on their father who could only raise his head and moan. The trooper left and three days later the man died of bacterial meningitis.
The widow has filed a complaint with the state police claiming that the officer should have realized that her husband was gravely ill and called an ambulance. She also plans to file a lawsuit against the state police for their inaction so that a tragedy like this does not happen to another family.
The state police report that troopers are trained in first aid and CPR but are not trained in the symptoms of infectious disease. An investigation is ongoing in this case.
For more information about the family’s claims, please visit The Patriot – News website.
In fact, trained physicians often have trouble distinguishing bacterial meningitis from the common flu. In some cases, treatment of bacterial meningitis is delayed until too late.
So, what obligation should first responders, such as police officers, have in recognizing the symptoms of bacterial meningitis? This question is among the issues raised by a Pennsylvania widow who blames the state police for her husband’s death from meningitis.
Yaffa Brautigam claims that the inaction on the part of the police officer led to her husband’s death. Her husband was home alone with their three sons, ages 7-10, when he became ill. The children became concerned and tried to reach their mother who was overseas at the time. The middle child decided to walk to the grocery store and was found by a neighbor. The neighbor called 911 and a state trooper responded the call.
According to the family, the trooper came to the house and talked the boys about not wandering in the streets. He then allegedly looked in on their father who could only raise his head and moan. The trooper left and three days later the man died of bacterial meningitis.
The widow has filed a complaint with the state police claiming that the officer should have realized that her husband was gravely ill and called an ambulance. She also plans to file a lawsuit against the state police for their inaction so that a tragedy like this does not happen to another family.
The state police report that troopers are trained in first aid and CPR but are not trained in the symptoms of infectious disease. An investigation is ongoing in this case.
For more information about the family’s claims, please visit The Patriot – News website.
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