Information From Your Health Care Provider

MENINGITIS, BACTERIAL

Basic information

description

Bacterial meningitis is an inflammation of the thin membranes (meninges) and fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is a rare, life-threatening disorder, and prompt treatment is vital. It can affect all ages, but is more severe in persons under age 2 or over age 60.

FREQUENT SIGNS & SYMPTOMS

Fever, chills, and sweating.
Headache.
Irritability.
Eyes sensitive to light; pupils may be of different sizes.
Stiff neck.
Vomiting.
Red or purple skin rash (associated with one kind of bacteria).
Confusion, lethargy, drowsiness, or unconsciousness.
Sore throat or other signs of respiratory (nose, throat, and lungs) illness may occur before other symptoms.
Poor feeding in infants.
Seizures.

causes

An infection usually caused by one of three types of bacteria. Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib). (Routine vaccines for children have lowered the risk of Hib infection.) Bacterial germs are spread by close contact with an infected person. The infection may start in another body part, such as the lung, ear, nose, throat, or sinus that spreads to the meninges.

risk increases with

Newborns, infants, young people, and adults over 60.
Ear, sinus, respiratory, or tooth infections.
Weak immune system due to illness or drugs.
Head injury.
Close contact with a person with meningitis.
People with cochlear implants (hearing devices).

PREVENTIVE MEASURES

Get all the recommended vaccines for infants and adults. Other vaccines may be recommended depending on an individual's health condition.
Vaccine against Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcal vaccine) may be recommended for students going to college and for travelers to certain areas of the world.
Avoid contact with anyone who has meningitis. If contact occurs, ask your health care provider about possible preventive treatment.

expected outcomes

Full recovery is likely in 2 to 3 weeks with prompt treatment and if no complications arise.

possible complications

Brain damage, paralysis, speech difficulty, hearing loss, impaired vision or blindness, seizures, and mental impairment.
Can be fatal.

diagnosis & treatment

general measures

Your health care provider will do a physical exam and ask questions about the symptoms. Medical tests may include blood studies, culture of cerebrospinal fluid, x-rays, CT, and others to confirm the diagnosis.
Hospital care is usually needed, sometimes in an intensive care unit.
Treatment involves antibiotics, supportive care for symptoms, and steps to prevent complications.

medications

Antibiotics will be given through a vein (IV).
Steroids may be prescribed. They help prevent the risk of hearing loss.
Anticonvulsants may be used to treat or prevent seizures.

activity

After a 2- to 3-week period of recovery, you should be as active as your strength allows.

diet

You may be given intravenous nutrients in the hospital. At home, eat a normal, well-balanced diet.

notify our office if

You or a family member has symptoms of bacterial meningitis. Get emergency help if needed.
You have had contact with someone who has meningitis.