Damien Martyn placed in induced coma as he battles meningitis: Understanding the condition, causes and treatment options

Cricket legend Damien Martyn is put into an induced coma as he fights the killer disease meningitis. Martyn was rushed to Brisbane hospital in a serious condition after falling ill on boxing day. According to a Daily Mail report, sources said “it is hoped that the 54-year-old can be brought out of the coma over the course of the next few days.”

According to the World Health Organisation, meningitis is a devastating disease that can be deadly and often results in serious long-term health issues. It remains a major global public health challenge.

What happens in meningitis

Meningitis is the inflammation of the tissues surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be infectious or non-infectious in origin, can be associated with high risk of death and long-term complications, and requires urgent medical care, notes WHO.

What causes meningitis The exact cause of Damien Martyn’s infection has not been revealed.

WHO notes that viral meningitis is the most common and least serious type. Bacterial meningitis is rare, but can be very serious if not treated.

There are four main causes of acute bacterial meningitis:

• Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)
• Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)
• Haemophilus influenzae
• Streptococcus agalactiae (group B streptococcus).

According to Cleveland Clinic, it can be transmitted from:

• A contagious bacterial or viral illness passed person-to-person
• From food contaminated with something infectious
• From fungi in the environment that you breathe in
• As a complication of noninfectious conditions, like cancer or lupus
• From a head injury or as a complication of brain surgery
• And even as a side effect of a medication

Diagnosis and treatment

Some common tests to diagnose meningitis include:

1. Blood cultures
2. Imaging like CT or MRI scans
3. Spinal tap that collects fluid from the spine

As for treatment, meningitis is a medical emergency and requires urgent medical attention in an appropriate health-care facility. Mayo Clinic notes that New-onset bacterial meningitis needs treatment right away with antibiotics given through a vein, called intravenous antibiotics. Sometimes corticosteroids are part of the treatment. This helps you recover and cuts the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures.

Damien Martyn’ close friend and former cricketer Adam Gilchrist told the Australian newspaper “he is getting the best of treatment”.Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Happy New Year wishes, messages and quotes !