meningeális

Meningeal refers to anything relating to the meninges. The meninges are the three membranes that enclose the central nervous system, consisting of the brain and spinal cord. These membranes are the dura mater, the arachnoid mater, and the pia mater. They lie between the bones of the skull and vertebrae and the neural tissue itself. The meninges provide protection and support to the brain and spinal cord.

Meningeal conditions can arise from various causes, including infection, inflammation, trauma, and tumors. For example, meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, typically caused by a viral or bacterial infection. Meningiomas are tumors that arise from the meninges, most commonly the dura mater. Symptoms of meningeal irritation can include headache, stiff neck, and photophobia. Diagnosis often involves medical history, physical examination, and imaging studies such as MRI or CT scans, as well as lumbar puncture to analyze cerebrospinal fluid. Treatment depends on the underlying cause and can range from antibiotics for bacterial meningitis to surgery for meningiomas.