Meningitis is a medical condition caused by inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges. The inflammation is caused by infection with viruses, bacteria, or other microorganisms, and less commonly by certain drugs or diseases. Meningitis is potentially life threatening due to the inflammation's proximity to the brain and spinal cord; therefore it is a medical emergency. The most common symptoms of meningitis are headache and neck stiffness associated with fever, confusion or altered consciousness, and an inability to tolerate light (photophobia) or loud noises (phonophobia). If a rash is present, it may indicate a particular cause of meningitis; for instance, meningitis caused by meningococcal bacteria may be accompanied by a characteristic rash. Meningitis is diagnosed by a lumbar puncture, which involves inserting a needle into the spinal canal to extract a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, the fluid that envelops the brain and spinal cord. Meningitis must be treated promptly with antibiotics and sometimes antiviral drugs. Meningitis can lead to serious long-term consequences such as deafness, epilepsy, hydrocephalus and cognitive deficits. Some forms of meningitis may be prevented by immunization.

Read the rest of this article: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Meningitis

_______________________________ Today's selected anniversaries:

1792:

By the Coinage Act, the United States Mint was founded and the U.S. currency was decimalized. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coinage_Act_of_1792

1801:

War of the Second Coalition: British forces led by Vice Admiral Horatio Nelson defeated the Dano-Norwegian fleet at the Battle of Copenhagen off the coast of Copenhagen. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Copenhagen_%281801%29

1982:

Argentine special forces invaded the Falkland Islands, sparking the Falklands War. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982_invasion_of_the_Falkland_Islands

1992:

John Gotti, the crime boss of the Gambino crime family, was convicted of racketeering, murder, conspiracy to commit murder, loansharking, obstruction of justice, illegal gambling and tax evasion. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Gotti

2002:

Operation Defensive Shield: Approximately 200 Palestinians fled advancing Israeli forces into the Church of the Nativity in Bethlehem, starting a month-long standoff. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Siege_of_the_Church_of_the_Nativity_in_Bethlehem

_____________________________ Wiktionary's word of the day:

haricot (n): 1. A stew of lamb and vegetables.

2. A kidney bean http://en.wiktionary.org/wiki/haricot

___________________________ Wikiquote quote of the day:

Forgiveness is the offspring of a feeling of heroism, of a noble heart, of a generous mind, whilst forgetfulness is only the result of a weak memory, or of an easy carelessness, and still oftener of a natural desire for calm and quietness. Hatred, in the course of time, kills the unhappy wretch who delights in nursing it in his bosom. --Giacomo Casanova http://en.wikiquote.org/wiki/Giacomo_Casanova