Overview

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
Meningitis
Copyright © 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 conditions or medicines
  • Prior surgery
  • Having cochlear implants

SymptomsandDiagnosis

Symptoms

Meningitis can cause sudden onset of:

  • High fever
  • Headache
  • Very stiff, sore neck

Other symptoms that may develop 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

Treatments

Treatment

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

Prevention

Vaccines can prevent some types of bacterial meningitis.

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.

Edits to original content made by Denver Health.

a (Spinal Meningitis)

RESOURCES

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention http://www.cdc.gov 

Meningitis Foundation of American http://www.musa.org 

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Health Canada https://www.canada.ca 

Meningitis Research Foundation of Canada http://www.meningitis.ca 

References

Bacterial meningitis in adults. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/bacterial-meningitis-in-adults. Accessed October 11, 2020.

Bacterial meningitis in children. EBSCO DynaMed website. Available at: https://www.dynamed.com/condition/bacterial-meningitis-in-children. Accessed October 11, 2020.

McGill F, Heyderman RS, et al. Acute bacterial meningitis in adults. Lancet. 2016 Dec 17;388(10063):3036-3047.

Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet. National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke website. Available at: https://www.ninds.nih.gov/Disorders/Patient-Caregiver-Education/Fact-Sheets/Meningitis-and-Encephalitis-Fact-Sheet. Accessed October 11, 2020.

Meningococcal disease. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/meningococcal/about/index.html. Accessed October 11, 2020.