Viral Meningitis May Cause Fatal Brain Injury

Lethal infections may be causing severe traumatic brain injuries (TBI) among patients in addition to the plethora of damaging side effects, according to a recent issue of the journal Nature.

Recent studies have revealed more harmful damage to the brain than once thought. Scientists injected mice with meningitis to test the effects of infection on the brain. Additionally, blood vessels will likely explode when the infection is administered causing brain damage. Researchers are continuing to look into the effects of meningitis as a major cause of TBI, but for now have determined that new treatments are likely needed to treat meningitis-induced TBI.

What is Meningitis?

Meningitis occurs in an individual as an infection of the fluid surrounding a spinal cord and the brain. There are two common forms of meningitis that are often described in the news: bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is often considered a deadly bacteria that can quickly cause brain injury and brain damage including hearing loss and learning disabilities, according to the Centers for Disease Prevention and Control (CDC). Although viral meningitis is more commonly associated with a curable and less severe infection, both viral and bacterial meningitis have been linked to serious brain infection.

The disease is considered very contagious, although less so than the common cold or flu. The condition, according to the CDC, "exchange of respiratory and throat secretions".

While vaccines exist associated with treating meningitis, it is important to always be aware of signs and symptoms of the condition. The Meningitis Foundation of America described the following symptoms of the condition:

* vomiting

* headache

* drowsiness

* seizures

* high temperatures

* joint pain

* stiff neck

* rash

* sensitivity to light

* infants may have a high-pitched cry, dislike being held while arching back

* pale skin color

* high fever

TBI Side Effects

Unfortunately there are a vast number of side effects and conditions that can develop when a patient suffers from a injury incident. Because TBI varies from patient to patient it is imperative that an individual be diagnosed and treated for a brain injury and its side effects. However, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) reports that the following conditions are common among TBI victims:

* difficulty thinking, reasoning

* memory problems

* problems with sight, touch, taste, smell and hearing

* inability to communicate, express and understand

* behavioral issues, acting out

* increased aggression

* anxiety, depression

* social inappropriateness

* personality changes

* stupor, coma

Living With TBI

Living with such an injury can be a difficult scenario, for both a victim and their support group including friends and family. It is important that an individual who feels they may have suffered from a traumatic brain injury to seek a medical assessment immediately, as a brain injury can worsen if not treated properly.

Additionally, it may be necessary for a TBI victim to receive a free legal consultation from a brain injury attorney in order to develop a TBI lawsuit, which may provide an award of monetary compensation. Due to the expensive costs associated with a brain injury treatment, it may be necessary to develop a brain injury lawsuit.