SEROUS MENINGITIS Meaning and
Definition
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Serous meningitis is a medical condition characterized by the inflammation of the meninges, which are the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The term "serous" refers to the clear, watery fluid that accumulates within the meninges during this condition. Meningitis can be caused by different pathogens, such as viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. However, in the case of serous meningitis, it is primarily caused by viral infections.
When a virus enters the body, it can travel through the bloodstream and reach the meninges, triggering an immune response. This immune response causes inflammation, resulting in symptoms such as severe headaches, fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, and vomiting. Patients with serous meningitis may also experience general malaise, fatigue, and muscle pain.
Diagnosis of serous meningitis usually involves a thorough medical history evaluation, physical examination, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid obtained through a lumbar puncture, known as a spinal tap. Treatment for serous meningitis typically focuses on managing symptoms and providing supportive care, as viral infections do not respond to antibiotics. Bed rest, pain relief medications, fluids, and antipyretics may be recommended.
Serous meningitis is generally considered less severe than bacterial meningitis, as it often resolves on its own within a week to ten days. However, some viral infections can cause complications or be more severe, making it important to seek medical attention promptly if meningitis symptoms arise.
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(1) Acute m. with secondary external hydrocephalus; (2) alcoholic m., wet-brain, serous apoplexy, a serous exudation in the ventricles and subarachnoid spaces occurring in alcoholic subjects after a prolonged debauch.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
Common Misspellings for SEROUS MENINGITIS
- aerous meningitis
- zerous meningitis
- xerous meningitis
- derous meningitis
- eerous meningitis
- werous meningitis
- swrous meningitis
- ssrous meningitis
- sdrous meningitis
- srrous meningitis
- s4rous meningitis
- s3rous meningitis
- seeous meningitis
- sedous meningitis
- sefous meningitis
- setous meningitis
- se5ous meningitis
- se4ous meningitis
- serius meningitis
- serkus meningitis
Etymology of SEROUS MENINGITIS
The word "serous" in "serous meningitis" comes from the Latin word "serum", which means "watery fluid". "Meningitis", on the other hand, is derived from Greek roots. The word "meninx" means "membrane" or "cover", and the suffix "-itis" denotes inflammation. Therefore, "meningitis" refers to the inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. When describing "serous meningitis", the term "serous" indicates that the inflammation involves the production of a watery fluid.
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