Stroke can affect anyone, at any time, and may leave severe, lasting consequences if not detected and treated promptly. 

evere headache and acute liver failure caused by fungal and viral meningitis

Patient L.V.H., 42 years old (Thai Nguyen), was admitted to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases with severe headache, jaundice, ascites due to cirrhosis, elevated liver enzymes, acute liver failure, and pneumonia. A cerebrospinal fluid test confirmed meningitis caused by Cryptococcus fungus, accompanied by EBV and CMV viral infections, along with reactivated latent hepatitis B.

Facing a high risk of death, doctors coordinated treatment using antifungal medication, antiviral drugs for hepatitis B, antibiotics, and cerebrospinal fluid drainage to reduce pressure. After two months, the patient’s fever resolved, jaundice subsided, liver function improved, and recovery is ongoing.

What causes meningitis?

Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges—the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The condition is primarily caused by infection, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, or other factors such as trauma, chemicals, or autoimmune diseases.

The disease can occur at any age, but infants and the elderly are at higher risk.

Early recognition of meningitis symptoms is crucial because the disease progresses rapidly. Timely treatment significantly reduces the risk of complications and death.

Some forms of meningitis, such as meningococcal meningitis, can spread from person to person. Early detection helps prevent transmission within the community.

Even with treatment, meningitis can leave serious long-term complications, including hearing loss, epilepsy, and cognitive impairment. This underlines the importance of early diagnosis and intervention.

Symptoms of meningitis

Symptoms vary depending on the cause, age, and general health of the patient, but common signs include:

– High fever: a hallmark symptom, often with severe headache focused on the forehead or back of the head.
– Neck stiffness: difficulty bending the head forward due to muscle rigidity.
– Nausea and vomiting: unrelated to eating, caused by increased intracranial pressure.
– Altered consciousness: confusion, loss of consciousness, coma, or seizures, indicating serious brain involvement.
– Skin rash or petechiae: especially seen in meningococcal meningitis; this is a medical emergency.
– Sensitivity to light and sound: eye pain under bright light, ear discomfort with loud noise.
– Additional symptoms may include muscle pain, joint pain, rapid breathing, and eye movement abnormalities.

Symptoms in children

In infants and young children, symptoms are often subtle and harder to recognize. Caregivers should be alert if a child has:

– Persistent crying, irritability.
– Poor feeding, reduced appetite, vomiting.
– Bulging fontanelle (soft spot) in infants.
– Seizures.
– Rash.

If you or a loved one shows signs of meningitis, seek medical attention immediately.

How to prevent meningitis

– Avoid sharing personal items such as cups, water bottles, straws, toothbrushes, lipstick, or cigarettes.
– Keep a safe distance from individuals with respiratory infections.
– Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing and wash hands afterward.
– Maintain a healthy lifestyle: balanced diet, regular exercise, and adequate sleep to strengthen immunity.
– Vaccination, as recommended by health authorities, is the most effective preventive measure.