Cerebrospinal meningitis is a challenging word to spell because it contains a combination of difficult consonant clusters and vowel sounds. The IPA phonetic transcription for this word is /sɛrəbroʊˈspaɪnəl mɛnɪnˈdʒaɪtɪs/. The first syllable, "cerebro," starts with the voiceless alveolar fricative sound /s/, and the second syllable, "spinal," includes the bilabial nasal /m/ and the lateral approximant /l/. The final syllable, "meningitis," includes the voiced alveolar nasal /n/, the affricate /dʒ/, and the vowel sound /aɪ/.
Cerebrospinal meningitis, also known as bacterial meningitis or meningococcal meningitis, is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the protective membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is typically caused by bacteria, particularly Neisseria meningitidis, although other bacteria can also be responsible.
Symptoms of cerebrospinal meningitis onset suddenly and can include severe headache, high fever, neck stiffness, vomiting, and sensitivity to light. In severe cases, it can progress rapidly and lead to more serious symptoms such as seizures, coma, and even death. The infection can easily spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, making it highly contagious, especially in close quarters like schools or dormitories.
Prompt medical attention is crucial in cases of cerebrospinal meningitis due to its potential for rapid progression and serious complications. Diagnosis typically involves a physical examination, laboratory tests, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid obtained through a lumbar puncture. Treatment generally consists of hospitalization and administration of intravenous antibiotics to combat the bacterial infection.
Prevention of cerebrospinal meningitis is primarily achieved through vaccination, especially among at-risk groups like infants, young adults, and people living or working in crowded conditions. It is essential to practice good hygiene and take precautionary measures, such as covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, to prevent the spread of the infection. Because of its severity and potential for outbreaks, cerebrospinal meningitis remains a significant public health concern worldwide.
• C. fever.
• Inflammation of the meninges of the brain and spinal cord.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
The word "cerebrospinal" in cerebrospinal meningitis is derived from Latin. "Cerebro" comes from the Latin word "cerebrum", meaning "brain", and "spinal" comes from the Latin word "spina", meaning "spine". This refers to the areas of the body where the condition affects.
"Meningitis" also has Latin origins. It is derived from the Latin word "meninx", which means "membrane" or "cover", and the suffix "-itis", which indicates inflammation. Therefore, meningitis refers to the inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
So, when combined, "cerebrospinal meningitis" indicates an inflammation that affects both the brain and spinal cord membranes.