Symptoms Of Amoebic Meningoencephalitis

Amoebic meningoencephalitis, also called Naegleria infection, is a rare bacterial infection caused by exposure to an amoeba while swimming in lakes, rivers, and hot springs. Exposure to the amoeba causes severe and irreversible brain damage. Diagnosis of the infection is done through CT scan, MRI, or spinal tap. Treatment for amoebic meningoencephalitis typically involves an injection into a vein or directly into the around the spinal cord to eradicate the amoeba. However, even with treatment, the infection is generally fatal, with death occurring within one week of exposure. Early detection and treatment are fundamental in the survival of an individual infected with the bacteria.Get to know the symptoms of amoebic meningoencephalitis now.

Hallucinations And Confusion

The onset of hallucinations and confusion are two of the final symptoms before a coma and the eventual death of an individual infected with amoebic meningoencephalitis. It is important to note although the infection is damaging the brain tissue, many of the later symptoms, such as hallucinations, are caused by the inflammation of the brain and brain stem as well as the decrease in oxygen to the brain. As oxygen levels decrease below ninety percent, healthy portions of the brain begin to become damaged or die, prompting an instability or overall malfunction in movement, confusion (including not knowing where one is), loss of language skills and auditory and visual hallucinations. Use of supplemental oxygen sources, such as through the use of an oxygen tank, may be beneficial in decreasing the later symptoms of the infection.

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Change In Sense Of Taste And Smell

One of the first symptoms to onset after exposure to the amoebic meningoencephalitis is the change in senses of taste and smell. This is caused by the amoeba attacking and feeding on the parietal lobe in the brain, which controls the function of the five senses. The amoeba does further damage to the brain by releasing toxins and enzymes that kill brain tissue. This initial symptom generally alerts the immune system that something is wrong in the brain, at which time the immune system will release antibodies to attack the invading bacteria, invoking a physical response in the brain causing inflammation of the surrounding brain tissue.

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Neck Pain And Stiffness

Neck pain and stiffness is the second symptom to onset after exposure. As the amoeba burrows further into the brain, the immune system engages in a coordinated attack on the invading bacteria. The release of antibodies to the source of the infection causes swelling and inflammation, resulting in pain and stiffness in the neck, as the surrounding brain and spinal tissue swell beyond their cranial capacity. Outside of causing considerable pain, this inflammation makes it very difficult for an individual to utilize the muscles required to turn and bend the neck. Neck stiffness and pain may be accompanied by other primary symptoms such as a severe headache, nausea, and vomiting.

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Nausea And Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are considered a primary symptom with onset very soon after exposure to the amoeba. As the immune system continues to fight and alleviate the damage caused by the bacteria, antibodies are released as an attempt to destroy the infection. These antibodies, while typically helpful in other areas of the body, cause increased inflammation to the brain and spinal cord, which can be fatal as the brain presses against the cranium and begins causing damage to healthy tissue. Nausea and vomiting co-occur with a severe headache and pain and stiffness in the neck as the brain begins to be deprived of oxygen as essential veins are compressed due to swelling.

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Seizures

As the amoeba continues to expand its destruction to the brain tissue and delves further into the brain, additional symptoms begin to emerge. Seizures occur in what is known as the secondary stage of the infection, in which the bacteria begin to attack the frontal lobe of the brain. They are a result of Naegleria are typically tonic-clonic. Individuals typically experience a loss of consciousness, lasting up to three minutes accompanied by extreme muscle stiffness and jerking movements. Seizures of this sort are typically not life-threatening on their own. However, an individual experiencing a seizure, especially when accompanied by other symptoms of amoebic meningoencephalitis, should seek medical attention immediately.