Bacterial Meningitis, Adult
Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection that affects the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Bacterial meningitis needs to be treated as soon as possible. The infection can get worse quickly and cause permanent brain damage and long-term problems such as seizures and hearing loss.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by bacteria. You can get this condition if fluid from an infected person's nose, mouth, or throat:
Gets into your brain through a wound in your head.
Gets into your body and travels to your brain.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in:
People who have a cerebral shunt, cochlear implant, or similar device.
People who have an infection in …show more content…
Fatigue, low energy, or sleepiness (lethargy).
Trouble walking.
Altered mental status.
Confusion.
Discomfort from exposure to light or loud noise.
Seizures.
Loss of consciousness.
Rapidly spreading rash. The rash consists of many small, irregular purple or red spots (petechiae) on the torso, legs, feet, mucous membranes, eyes, and sometimes on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history and with a physical exam and tests. Tests may include:
A spinal tap (lumbar puncture). This test involves a procedure in which a needle is used to obtain a sample of spinal fluid. This is the most important test for diagnosing this condition.
Blood tests.
Imaging studies, including a CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound. These tests can show changes in the brain caused by the infection.
TREATMENT
This condition is usually treated at the hospital with antibiotic medicines given through an IV tube. Sometimes, steroid medicine is also given to limit swelling of the brain. Treatment usually begins as soon as your health care provider suspects bacterial …show more content…
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Take your antibiotic as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Try to keep the infection from spreading to others while you are contagious, such as by:
Staying away from others.
Practicing good hygiene. Examples of good hygiene include washing your hands often with soap and water and covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze.
Having people who are in close contact with you talk with a health care provider about getting antibiotics or a vaccine to prevent the condition.
PREVENTION
If you have had contact with someone diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, let your health care provider know. You may be started on an antibiotic to prevent bacterial meningitis.
Avoid contact with people who are
Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection that affects the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord (meninges). Bacterial meningitis needs to be treated as soon as possible. The infection can get worse quickly and cause permanent brain damage and long-term problems such as seizures and hearing loss.
CAUSES
This condition is caused by bacteria. You can get this condition if fluid from an infected person's nose, mouth, or throat:
Gets into your brain through a wound in your head.
Gets into your body and travels to your brain.
RISK FACTORS
This condition is more likely to develop in:
People who have a cerebral shunt, cochlear implant, or similar device.
People who have an infection in …show more content…
Fatigue, low energy, or sleepiness (lethargy).
Trouble walking.
Altered mental status.
Confusion.
Discomfort from exposure to light or loud noise.
Seizures.
Loss of consciousness.
Rapidly spreading rash. The rash consists of many small, irregular purple or red spots (petechiae) on the torso, legs, feet, mucous membranes, eyes, and sometimes on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet.
DIAGNOSIS
This condition is diagnosed based on your symptoms and medical history and with a physical exam and tests. Tests may include:
A spinal tap (lumbar puncture). This test involves a procedure in which a needle is used to obtain a sample of spinal fluid. This is the most important test for diagnosing this condition.
Blood tests.
Imaging studies, including a CT scan, MRI, and ultrasound. These tests can show changes in the brain caused by the infection.
TREATMENT
This condition is usually treated at the hospital with antibiotic medicines given through an IV tube. Sometimes, steroid medicine is also given to limit swelling of the brain. Treatment usually begins as soon as your health care provider suspects bacterial …show more content…
Take over-the-counter and prescription medicines only as told by your health care provider.
Take your antibiotic as told by your health care provider. Do not stop taking the antibiotic even if you start to feel better.
Drink enough fluid to keep your urine clear or pale yellow.
Keep all follow-up visits as told by your health care provider. This is important.
Try to keep the infection from spreading to others while you are contagious, such as by:
Staying away from others.
Practicing good hygiene. Examples of good hygiene include washing your hands often with soap and water and covering your mouth when you cough and sneeze.
Having people who are in close contact with you talk with a health care provider about getting antibiotics or a vaccine to prevent the condition.
PREVENTION
If you have had contact with someone diagnosed with bacterial meningitis, let your health care provider know. You may be started on an antibiotic to prevent bacterial meningitis.
Avoid contact with people who are