Secondary complications of meningitis often require physiotherapy treatment such as poor balance, muscles weakness and joints pain. Physiotherapist will provide you the Physiotherapy treatment for Meningitis according to the symptoms. It also depends on the patient’s age. Physiotherapy helps you to achieve your goals.
Physical therapy helps you to improve your function and quality of life. The study shows that the brain can make new connections after meningitis. Physiotherapist plan your exercise program and rehabilitation training. It can help you to regain abilities or compensate for lost function
Physiotherapy treatment for meningitis can include;
- Stretching and strengthening exercises in muscles spasm or muscles weakness.
- Balance exercises such as stand on one leg, balance on a stability ball and heel to toe exercise. After that go harder like walking, jogging and cycling.
- Co-ordination exercises such as rope jumping, catching balloon and throwing the ball in basket.
What is Meningitis?
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges. Meningies are the membranes that enclose the brain and spinal cord. The meninges consist of 3 layers:
- Pia mater (the inner layer)
- Arachnoid mater (the middle layer)
- Dura mater (the outer layer)
Between the arachnoid and pia mater is the subarachnoid space containing blood vessels that supply the brain. Meningitis typically affects the arachnoid, subarachnoid space, and pia mater. Meningitis can be caused by a large number of various organisms.
It’s a medical emergency requiring immediate diagnosis and treatment. A hallmark of bacterial meningitis is the presence white blood cells and bacteria in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
For diagnosis needs the sample of CSF. Samples of the CSF can be obtained by making a lumbar puncture in a spinal tap procedure.
Effects of Meningitis
The most common effects of meningitis are;
- Decreases appetite
- Nausea and Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stiff neck
- Muscles weakness or pain
- Floppy limbs
- Blotchy skin or a rash
- Seizures
Physiotherapy treatment for meningitis helps you to re-learning of normal body movements. It also helps you to re-alignment of spine. After meningitis patient suffering secondary complications such as;
- Muscle weakness
- Poor body posture
- Poor balance and co-ordination
Physiotherapy is very helpful in these secondary complications.
