Loading icon
Health Information Center

Bacterial Meningitis

Authors:
  • Cynthia M. Johnson, MA
Publication Type:

Condition

Bacterial Meningitis

(Spinal Meningitis)

Definition

Bacterial meningitis is an infection of tissue that covers the brain and spinal cord. It can be deadly if it is not treated within hours.

Bacterial Meningitis.

Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Meningitishttp://services.epnet.com/getimage.aspx?imageiid=73077307si2230.jpgsi2230.jpgNULLjpgsi2230.jpgNULL\\hgfiler01a\intellect\images\si2230.jpgNULL89NULL2008-11-073013947307_12024Copyright © Nucleus Medical Media, Inc.

Causes

The infection can be caused by many types of bacteria. The bacteria is passed from an infected person through:

  • Coughing, sneezing, or kissing
  • Fluid contact between a mother and child during birth
  • Contact with food that is served to others

Risk Factors

Things that may raise the risk of bacterial meningitis are:

  • Community living, such as a college dormitory or military base
  • Close and prolonged contact with people with meningitis
  • Travel to places with outbreaks of the infection
  • Changes in the nasal passages and throat due to birth defects or head trauma
  • Suppressed immune system caused by certain health issues or medicines
  • Prior surgery
  • Having cochlear implants

Symptoms

A person with meningitis can suddenly have:

  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Very stiff, sore neck

Other symptoms a person may have are:

  • Red or purple skin rash
  • Bluish skin color
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Sensitivity to bright lights
  • Tiredness
  • Confusion
  • Seizures

Babies may show:

  • Fussiness
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes
  • Problems feeding or lack of hunger
  • Tightness or bulging on the top of the head
  • Problems waking

Diagnosis

The doctor will ask about your symptoms and past health. A physical exam will be done.

Tests may be done to look for signs of infection. They may include:

  • Blood tests
  • Blood cultures
  • Urine tests
  • Tests of mucous and pus from your skin
  • Lumbar puncture to test the fluid around the spine and brain

Treatment

Treatment needs to start as soon as possible. Antibiotics will be given to fight the infection. Other medicine, like steroids, can help ease pressure and swelling. Support care may be needed until the brain has healed.

Prevention

Vaccines can prevent some types of bacterial meningitis.

RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

CANADIAN RESOURCES:

References

  • Bacterial meningitis in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/bacterial-meningitis-in-adults.
  • Bacterial meningitis in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/bacterial-meningitis-in-children.
  • McGill, F., Heyderman, R.S., et al. Acute bacterial meningitis in adults. Lancet, 2016; 388 (10063): 3036-3047.
  • Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/meningitis-and-encephalitis-fact-sheet.
  • Meningococcal disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/index.html.

Contributors

  • Rimas Lukas, MD
Last Updated:
2022-08-01

(C) Copyright 2023 EBSCO Information Services

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.