Meningitis is an inflammation of the membrane, known as the pia mater, which covers the outer surface of the brain and spinal cord. There are several distinct types of this disease, which is caused by the entrance of germs into the membrane. The commonest of these types are as follows: 1. Cerebrospinal Fever ('Spotted Fever') caused by the Meningococcus. 2. Septic meningitis, due to invasion by the Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. 3. Tuberculous meningitis, resulting from invasion by the Tubercle Bacillus. 4. Syphilitic meningitis, caused by the Spirochaete of Syphilis. In a rigid cavity like the skull there is very little room for the accommodation of the products of inflammation, which therefore give rise to pressure on the surface of the brain and to irritation of its surface. Meningitis is a very dangerous disease, and unless treated very early it is often fatal. Research Meningitis
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