Science Homework Help

1. Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain itself. Anyone can get encephalitis or meningitis. Causes of encephalitis and meningitis include viruses, bacteria, fungus, and parasites. Anyone experiencing symptoms of meningitis or encephalitis should see a doctor immediately. Symptoms of encephalitis that might require emergency treatment include loss of consciousness, seizures, muscle weakness, or sudden severe dementia. Other symptoms include: sudden fever, headache, vomiting, heightened sensitivity to light, stiff neck and back, confusion and impaired judgment, drowsiness, weak muscles, a clumsy and unsteady gait, irritability.

Once a rabies infection is established, there’s no effective treatment. Though a small number of people have survived rabies, the disease usually causes death. For that reason, if you think you’ve been exposed to rabies, you must get a series of shots to prevent the infection from taking hold.

2. The main causes of meningitis and encephalitis are viruses, bacteria, fungi, and parasites. Other risk factors include environmental exposure, traveling, or immunocompromised states. immunocompromised states include diabetes, HIV, chemotherapy, and steroids. Bacterial meningitis is rare but potentially fatal. Symptoms of encephalitis are so mild that so many cases remain undiagnosed.

The best clinical management of rabies include the fast acting shot to prevent the virus from infecting you. This shot is called rabies immune globulin. Another clinical management is a series of vaccinations.