Doctor warns of two key symptoms to spot meningitis: If you have them, run to the emergency room – La Linterna

Maria Herranz was a gymnast. He was only 17 years old when he died. If death at such a young age is already something very tragic, to this we must add that cause death was due to meningitis.

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His death has once again raised alarm about the disease, which tends to be more common in children and young people. This year, 139 cases have already been registered, which is 13% more than on the same date last year. According to the department, of the total number of diagnosed cases, 14 were fatal. Institute of Health Carlos III.

This is a rare occurrence, but when it occurs, it is potentially fatal and can cause serious damage to the brain. It is often said that its symptoms can be very similar to those of the flu, so at La Linterna we ask ourselves: how can we differentiate them? We asked Dr. Jesus Port, President Spanish Society of Neurology.

Two Key Symptoms to Watch for

To understand this disease, how to get it and what symptoms it presents, it is necessary Flashlight We spoke with renowned physician Jesus Porta, who explained to us that we all “have fluid around the brain that protects us. When bacteria enter, they cause inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain, called the meninges. , and inflammation of these membranes is what it is,” he said.

In addition, he adds that this is a fairly serious disease that requires great attention. “This is a serious disease because the nervous system is isolated from infections. “But it can be serious and cause death.” explained.

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Therefore, it is important to be very careful about the symptoms that this infection brings with it. And they could often be confused with flu symptoms because brings a “severe headache.” For this reason, the doctor explained to us two symptoms that are key to going to the emergency room.

“Certain bacteria can cause abnormalities in the blood, and small blood clots occur in the blood, which we call disseminated clotting. With meningococcus, you notice small spots. blood, red, on the skin. “This is a very worrying fact for us,” he said.

Another has a stiff neck. He said when patients come to the emergency department or are consulted for symptoms of the condition, they usually try to move their neck, but it has a “certain stiffness” that makes them suspect the worst.

Another symptom that may alert you is “great drowsiness or confusion.”

Treatment and importance of going to the emergency room immediately

The doctor reminded that not all meningitis necessarily ends in death, but warns to go to the hospital as soon as possible if you discover that you may have meningitis. The thing is, once they suspect symptoms, You are prescribed treatment that gives the best prognosis for the disease.

“It depends on early diagnosis and treatment, as soon as it is suspected it needs to be treated. Also through lumbar puncture we can diagnose it, as soon as it is suspected it needs to be treated.” In the first four hours, the forecast changes a lot,” he said.

And with an antibiotic that they may give you in the hospital, the diagnosis can change radically. “We offer very specific antibiotics, ever did bacteria create resistance, but usually the prognosis is much better with antibiotics,” he said.

Because, he warned, the effects of meningitis can be devastating.“You could even die from blood clots inside your arteries, some neurological problems, deafness, headaches or other problems.” explained.

Therefore, he insists on the importance of vaccination to avoid exacerbation. disease if he becomes infected.