Meningitis is a serious ailment if left untreated. It is a disease which is caused by both virus and bacteria and thus the spread of these microorganisms needs to be controlled. Meningitis is diagnosed by a process called lumbar puncture. It is a method of inserting needle into the spinal canal to extract a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The CSF is further experimented in a medical laboratory and the Treatments of Meningitis can proceed properly. Once diagnosed meningitis needs to be treated with antibiotics and as well as antiviral drugs.
Treatments of Meningitis can begin with a recommendation of corticosteroid drugs. These drugs are used to prevent complications from overactive inflammation. Meningitis is such a disease that can lead to serious long-term consequences like deafness, epilepsy, hydrocephalus and cognitive deficits, especially if not treated quickly. Although, viral meningitis can be treated at home with advice of rest, fluids, and pain medication, yet bacterial meningitis needs foremost attention as it is a type of meningitis that is more serious
The treatment of meningitis varies according to the types of the disease. Bacterial meningitis is diagnosed and the healing starts with intravenous (IV) antibiotics as soon as possible. Fluids are further given to replace those lost to fever, sweating, vomiting and poor appetite. Bacterial meningitis can be severe and include neurological problems such as hearing loss, visual impairment, seizures, and learning disabilities. The heart, kidneys, and adrenal glands are also affected. Complications of bacterial meningitis require further treatment, for instance anticonvulsants are given for seizures. A patient suffering from shock or low blood pressure is recommended for additional IV fluids. Moreover, supplemental oxygen or mechanical ventilation is prescribed to the patients who have difficulty in breathing. Moreover, when excessive pressure builds up inside the skull, a small tube is sometimes inserted into the meninges. Three-layer lining that protects and cushions the brain and spinal cord to relieve the pressure. Drugs such as dexamethasone are found to be helpful in reducing inflammation or to reduce the chance, or spread, of septicemia. Septicemia is an infection in the bloodstream that results from some cases of meningococcal meningitis.
Meningitis is such a disease which is cured by alternative treatment too. Most notably naturopathy plays an essential role in curing Meningitis. Treatment of Meningitis by Nature Cure includes proper diet. The patient is prescribed juice of an orange diluted in a glass of warm water several times daily for the first few days of the treatment. This provides energy, increase urinary output and promote body resistance against infection, thereby facilitating recovery. After the temperature has come down to normal and the tongue has cleared, the patient is given liquid foods and fresh juicy fruits like apple, pear, peach, grapes, orange, pineapple and melon, for further four or five days. Other drinks such as unsweetened lemon water or either hot or cold plain water are also recommended. Thereafter, he is gradually provided well-balanced diet consisting of seeds, nuts, grains, vegetables and fruits. The emphasis of the patients suffering meningitis is given whole grain cereals, fresh fruits and raw or lightly cooked vegetables. Normal diet should be resorted to only after complete recovery.
Treatment of Meningitis through home remedies also proves beneficial. The patient with meningitis finds it soothing when a warm-water enema is administered daily to cleanse the bowels during this period. If the constipation is present, all steps should be taken to eradicate it through natural methods. The use of garlic has been found beneficial in the treatment of meningitis. The juice of three cloves of garlic should be given to the patient mixed with some fruit of vegetable juice. Another alternative treatment includes water treatments.
Cold compresses may be applied to the head in case the temperature rise above 103 Fahrenheit. If this method does not succeed, cold pack may be applied to the whole body. The procedure is to wring out a sheet or other large square piece of linen material in cold water, wrap it twice right round the body and legs of the patient and then cover completely with a small blanket or similar warm material. This pack should be applied every three hours during the day while temperature is high and kept on for an hour or so each time. Hot water bottles may be applied to the feet and also against the sides of the body.
The patient should take neutral immersion bath, as this bath is very useful in organic diseases of brain and spinal cord, including meningitis. This bath should be taken for 20 to 30 minutes at water temperature ranging from 26 Celsius to 28 Celsius (92 to 98 Fahrenheit) before retiring at night. A cold wet cloth should be applied to the head and forehead before entering the bath. This bath will equalize the circulation so as to reduce the amount of blood in the brain and spinal cord. Application of hot fomentation to the spine every two hours with spinal ice bag during intervals will also be beneficial in the treatment of meningitis.
Treatment of meningitis through homeopathic requires medicines such as Belladonna (Bell), Bryonia. (Bry), Apis mellifica. (Apis), Helleborus. (Hell). Ayurveda treatment for meningitis involves the intake of Vata Chintamani; KasturiBhairava, and Krishna Bhairava, Siddha Makaradhwaja; Sauhhagya VatL -120 mg of Siddha Makaradhwaja and 240 mg of Sauhhagya Vati may be taken two times in a day with juice of fresh ginger. It is necessary to treat the disease as soon as it is detected otherwise be fatal as it is a contagious disease.
