Meningitis
Meningitis is an acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord known collectively as meninges. Meningitis can occur when fluid surrounding the meninges becomes infected.
Symptoms:
- Stiffness of neck
- Sudden high fever
- Severe headache with nausea or vomiting
- Sensitive to bright light
- Loss of appetite and thirst
- Confusion or difficulty concentrating
- Seizures
- Numbness in face
- Drowsiness
Causes:
Meningitis always results from a bacterial or viral infection that begins somewhere in the body, such as the ears, sinuses, or throat.
- Bacterial meningitis – Occurs when bacteria enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord.
- Neisseria meningitidis – Usually starts as an upper respiratory infection but can cause meningococcal meningitis once it enters the bloodstream. It is contagious, especially among adults and teenagers.
- Listeria monocytogenes – Found in unpasteurized cheeses, hot dogs, and lunch meats. People with low immunity are more likely to suffer from this form.
- Haemophilus influenzae – Occurs mostly in children.
- Streptococcus pneumoniae – Can cause pneumonia as well as ear or sinus infections.
- Viral meningitis – Usually mild and often clears on its own.
- Chronic meningitis – Caused by slow-growing organisms that invade the membranes and fluid surrounding the brain.
- Fungal meningitis – Often contracted by breathing in fungal spores that may be found in soil or decaying wood.
Homeopathic Apporach:
Homeopathy offers good prognosis to cases of meningitis. Well selected Homoeopathic remedies are effective for the management of meningitis.
Belladonna is one of the top remedies for meningitis and is suitable for simple meningitis, not the tubercular form. Belladonna is effective in the initial stages where there is violent delirium. There is violent headache, which is throbbing and hammering in nature.
Bryonia Alba is another effective medicine for meningitis, and it follows well after Belladonna. It should be given when Belladonna has reduced the temperature and slowed down the pulse. Bryonia also has high fever with copious sweats. The headache is worse from motion, especially when rising up.
Apis Mellifica is excellent for tubercular meningitis and spinal meningitis with collection of fluid in tissues and cavities of the body. There is acute cerebral effusion due to suppressed or undeveloped eruption.
Helleborus is best for later stages of meningitis, with wrinkled forehead, pupils dilated, lower jaw tends to drop, and there is automatic motion of one arm and one leg. There is complete unconsciousness, stupor, and sluggishness. Helleborus is best for tubercular meningitis, with marked drowsiness, neck rigidity, frequent convulsions, and it is also indicated for meningitis with hydrocephalus.
Zincum Metallicum is suitable for the sub-acute form, especially tubercular and due to suppressed eruptions. The child awakes with fear, rolls head, cries out, and startles in sleep.
Cicuta Virosa is best for meningitis with convulsions. There are frightful distortions of limbs and whole body with loss of consciousness and opisthotonos. Symptoms are renewed by slightest touch, noise, or jerk. There is a craving for charcoal and other indigestible things. Cicuta is effective for tubercular meningitis.
