Which of the following is a risk factor for developing Meningitis?

Developing meningitis can be influenced by various risk factors, and basilar skull fractures are significant among them. When an individual sustains a basilar skull fracture, there is a potential disruption of the protective barriers that shield the brain and spinal cord. This includes the meninges, the membranes that cover the central nervous system. Such fractures can lead to cerebrospinal fluid leaks or direct exposure of the central nervous system to pathogens, thereby increasing the risk of infection and subsequent meningitis.

While high blood pressure, obesity, and genetic predisposition may have connections to various health issues, they do not have the same direct association with the risk of meningitis as basilar skull fractures do. The anatomical and pathological implications of a skull fracture make it a clear risk factor in the development of this serious infection. Understanding how structural injuries can lead to infections provides essential insight into the mechanisms behind meningitis and the importance of protective measures for the nervous system.