Best Meningitis Doctors in Chennai

Meningitis is an inflammatory infection that affects the protective membranes, known as meninges, encompassing the brain and spinal cord. This condition typically arises due to bacterial, viral, or fungal pathogens accessing the central nervous system through various routes such as the bloodstream, respiratory tract, or gastrointestinal tract. These pathogens can be introduced in a variety of ways, including through contaminated food or water, direct contact with an infected individual or via respiratory droplets.

In the context of Chennai, meningitis is a health concern that needs to be addressed promptly and effectively. Apollo Hospitals in Chennai is home to some of the best meningitis specialists and doctors for encephalitis treatment.

Types/Stages of Meningitis

Meningitis can present itself in several forms:

• Acute Meningitis: Characterised by a sudden onset of symptoms and often progresses rapidly to severe illness.

• Subacute Meningitis: Symptoms develop at a slower pace with a gradual progression to serious illness.

• Chronic Meningitis: This is a prolonged infection that can cause continuous inflammation and damage to the central nervous system.

Symptoms of Meningitis

The signs and symptoms of meningitis may include:

• A severe and persistent headache

• High and consistent fever

• Stiffness in the neck due to inflammation of the meninges

• Altered mental status like confusion or disorientation

• Nausea and vomiting due to increased intracranial pressure

Tests to Diagnose Meningitis

Several diagnostic procedures are followed at Apollo Hospitals:

• Lumbar Puncture: This involves sampling cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis.

• Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) Analysis: This includes tests such as layered Ziehl–Neelsen staining, CSF culture, and several nucleic acid amplification tests.

• Adenosine Deaminase (ADA) Activity: Elevated ADA levels in CSF are often indicative of tuberculous meningitis.

• Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH): Raised LDH levels in CSF can help distinguish viral from other types of meningitis.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Meningitis at Apollo Hospitals, Chennai

Depending on the type of meningitis, different treatment options are available at Apollo Hospitals:

• Antibiotics: Administered promptly to prevent complications and reduce mortality in cases of bacterial meningitis.

• Antiviral Medications: Prescribed to manage symptoms and reduce the duration of illness for viral meningitis.

• Antifungal Medications: Used in treating fungal meningitis.

• Supportive Care: This includes intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, and pain management. In severe cases, cerebrospinal fluid drainage may be needed to reduce intracranial pressure and alleviate symptoms.