Meningitis, Bacterial

What is bacterial meningitis?

Meningitis is an infection of the tissues and fluid that surround the brain and spinal cord. When bacteria cause the infection, it is called bacterial meningitis. Meningitis is a serious, life-threatening illness. If it is treated right away, chances of complete recovery are good. In some cases it may cause severe problems, including brain damage or death.

Another name for this infection is spinal meningitis.

What is the cause?

Bacteria can spread to the brain and spinal cord from:

• a nearby infection, such as a bad sinus infection
• through the bloodstream, for example, from a severe kidney infection
• or, in rare cases, from someone who has a bacterial infection

Some forms of bacterial meningitis can be spread from person to person. The bacteria can be spread by close contact with lung and throat secretions—for example, from coughing or kissing. The bacteria that cause meningitis are not as contagious as the viruses that cause the common cold or flu. They are not spread by casual contact in public places, such as when you go shopping or visit the library.

People who have the highest risk of getting this disease are:

• older adults
• people living in close quarters, such as military personnel and students in dorms
• children less than 5 years old
• people with a chronic illness

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• high fever and chills
• headache
• stiff neck and stiff back
• sensitivity to light
• nausea and vomiting
• rash with red spots or blotches, or purple, bruiselike areas on the skin
• seizures
• severe confusion (like not making sense when you talk)

In severe cases it can cause coma and death.

One of the frightening aspects of bacterial meningitis is that it can develop quickly. If you suddenly start having fever, headache, and a stiff neck, you need to get medical care right away.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He or she will examine you.

You may have the following tests:

• test of fluid drawn from the spinal column with a needle (called a spinal tap or lumbar puncture) to confirm the diagnosis of meningitis
• blood tests to look for signs of infection
• CT or MRI scan of the brain to look for brain swelling, abscess, and other problems

How is it treated?

If your healthcare provider thinks you may have bacterial meningitis, you will stay in the hospital for treatment. You will be given antibiotics for 7 to 10 days or longer, first by vein (IV) and then by mouth as you get better. You will be watched closely, often in the intensive care unit (ICU), for 24 to 48 hours to make sure the antibiotics are working and you are getting better. If you are doing well, you may be able to leave the hospital after 7 or so days to finish your antibiotics at home.

How can I take care of myself?

• Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider.
• Be sure you finish all medicines exactly as prescribed.
• Keep all follow-up appointments.
• Ask your healthcare provider:
  • how and when you will hear your test results
  • what activities you should avoid and when you can return to your normal activities
  • how to take care of yourself at home
  • what symptoms or problems you should watch for and what to do if you have them
• Make sure you know when you should come back for a checkup.

How can I help prevent bacterial meningitis?

A shot of the meningococcal vaccine can prevent most forms of bacterial meningitis. This vaccine is recommended as a routine shot for children 11 to 12 years old. It is also recommended for the following groups if they have not yet had the shot:

• teens in high school or about to start high school
• students about to start college or living in college dorms
• military recruits
• travelers to areas where there they might be exposed to bacteria that cause meningitis
• people who have a medical condition called terminal complement deficiency
• people who do not have a spleen

Other adolescents and college students, as well as people infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV/AIDS), may want to ask their provider about getting the meningitis shot.

Follow these guidelines to help avoid infection:

• Wash your hands thoroughly and often with warm water and soap for at least 15 seconds each time, especially when you are in public places.
• Don’t share cups or eating utensils with someone who is sick.
• Avoid contact with the saliva of someone who is sick, for example, by not kissing them.

If you have had close contact with someone who has meningitis, tell your healthcare provider as soon as possible, preferably within 24 hours. Close contact includes living in the same house, going to the same day care center, or having close personal contact, such as you might have with a boyfriend or girlfriend. If you have had close exposure to someone who has meningitis, you may need antibiotics to help keep you from getting the disease.