MENINGITIS

Symptoms

Meningitis is a term applied to inflammation of the membranes of the brain or the spinal cord. It generally strikes children, though many cases of adults falling a prey to it are reported.

In the beginning, the patient becomes listless and fatigued, suffers from headache after exertion and irritability. After that comes vomiting and an obstinate constipation. In some cases the first symptoms are convulsions. Headache is extremely severe and there is great intolerance to light. Then there is the rigidity OJ the neck and of the lower limbs. The temperature rare­ly goes beyond 1030 but the pulse does not rise pro­ fortunately. It does, however, exhibit some irregularity. The second stage of the malady is a state of depression, which is sometimes taken to be a sign of improvement. But, in fact, it is a condition of apathy or partial stupor. Vomiting and fever are less severe and the former, sometimes, vanishes totally. The third and the final stage is that of paralysis in which fever returns. The pupils are dilated and there may be complete loss of sight and even hearing. Death comes during a fit or seizure when the body is convulsed.

Treatment

The treatment is the same as in the case of all fevers but it is better to leave the patient in the After case of a competent naturopath. Fasting wet packs and warm water enemas will all have to be given according to the condition of the patient. An all-fruit diet is recommended when the fever has come down and normal feeding should not be started before the sufferer has completely recovered.