Patient education: Bacterial meningitis (The Basics)

What is meningitis? — 

This is a condition that can cause a fever, headache, and stiff neck. It happens when the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord (called the "meninges") gets inflamed or infected.

There are 2 main types of meningitis, depending on which germs are causing the infection. Bacteria cause bacterial meningitis. Viruses cause viral meningitis, which is also called "aseptic meningitis." Both types can cause similar symptoms.

It is very important that doctors figure out what kind of meningitis a person has. That's because bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency. If it is not treated quickly, it can lead to brain problems such as hearing loss or learning problems. It can also lead to death.

This article discusses bacterial meningitis.

What are the symptoms of bacterial meningitis? — 

Symptoms usually start suddenly, so people might get very sick over a short period of time.

The 3 main symptoms are:

●Fever – But some people have a temperature that is lower than normal instead.

●Headache

●Stiff neck – This happens most often in adults and children. Babies might not get stiff neck.

Sometimes, people can have other symptoms, such as:

●Nausea or vomiting

●Acting confused, or being hard to wake up

●Eyes being bothered by light

●A rash that looks like red or purple spots on the skin that do not go away when touched

●Seizures – These are waves of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can make people pass out, or move or behave strangely.

Babies can also have other symptoms, including:

●Being more sleepy or fussy than usual

●Not feeding well

●A bulging soft spot on the skull

Should I see the doctor or nurse? — 

Yes. If you have a fever, headache, and stiff neck, go to the emergency department right away. If you think your child has meningitis, bring them to the emergency department right away.

Will I have tests? — 

Yes. Your doctor will learn about your symptoms and do an exam. They will do tests to see if you have meningitis and find out what type of bacteria is causing the infection. The tests can include:

●Blood tests

●Lumbar puncture (also called a "spinal tap") – A doctor puts a thin needle into the lower back and removes a small sample of spinal fluid. This is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. They do lab tests on the sample.

●CT scan of the brain – This is an imaging test that creates pictures of the brain.

How is bacterial meningitis treated? — 

People are treated in the hospital with:

●Antibiotic medicines given through a thin tube that goes into a vein, called an "IV" – The antibiotics used depend on the type of bacteria causing the infection.

●Fluids and other medicines given through IV – Some people get steroid medicines. These help protect the brain from the effects of the bacterial meningitis.

Can bacterial meningitis be spread from 1 person to another? — 

Sometimes. It depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. Some types can be spread from 1 person to another.

Can bacterial meningitis be prevented? — 

Sometimes. Certain vaccines can help prevent it. Talk to your doctor or nurse about which vaccines you and your child should get to prevent these infections:

●Meningococcus

●Pneumococcus

●Haemophilus influenzae type b, or "Hib" (for babies and young children)

Also, if someone in your home has bacterial meningitis, ask your doctor or nurse if you should take antibiotics. Sometimes, other people at home need antibiotics to keep from getting the infection.

Plus, you can help avoid getting sick by thoroughly washing your hands before eating, and not sharing cups or silverware.

More on this topic

Patient education: Bacterial meningitis in adults – Discharge instructions (The Basics)
Patient education: Meningitis in children (The Basics)
Patient education: Viral meningitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for babies and children age 0 to 6 years (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for children age 7 to 18 years (The Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for adults (The Basics)
Patient education: What you should know about antibiotics (The Basics)

Patient education: Meningitis in children (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for infants and children age 0 to 6 years (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for children age 7 to 18 years (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Vaccines for adults (Beyond the Basics)