by Alexia Alexandria

Created on: June 06, 2008   Last Updated: June 10, 2008

Bacterial meningitis: Symptoms and Treatment

What is Bacterial Meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis, sometimes referred to as bacterial spinal meningitis, is an inflammation of the meninges, three thin layers that cover the brain and spinal cord. This disease is initiated once bacteria enters the bloodstream and spreads to the brain and spinal cord or goes straight to the meninges from an infection of the sinuses, ears, or a fracture of the skull. There are six common bacteria that can cause bacterial meningitis: Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitides, Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, and Staphylococcus epidermidis. It is possible for anyone to acquire bacterial meningitis from an infected person through the sharing of food, towels, and napkins. Bacterial meningitis is fatal for people of all ages, but is more common among infants and small children.

Identifying Bacterial Meningitis

Symptoms

In newborns and small infants, the usual symptoms are fever, headache, jaundice
(yellowish skin), weak sucking, vomiting, bulging fontanelle, anorexia, high-pitched cry,
and neck stiffness. The infant may also appear slow or inactive, or be irritable, or be
feeding poorly. In adults and older children, early symptoms include high fever,
headache, chills, and neck rigidity. Other symptoms include vomiting, confusion,
irritability, photophobia (light sensitivity), lethargy, a red and purple skin rash,
decreased consciousness, opisthotonos (abnormal posturing), and rapid breathing. The
disease gets worse with time and can result in seizures.

Diagnosis

Your doctor can diagnose bacterial meningitis based on your symptoms, medical history,
physical exam, and diagnostic tests. Once you are suspected of having bacterial
meningitis, it is important for you to receive immediate medical attention and an
examination of your breathing or blood pressure. Then, the doctor will check your blood
pressure, pulse, and temperature. If your doctor finds a chance that you have bacterial
meningitis, you may have to get a he or she may order additional testing, such as a chest
x-ray or CT scan.

Treatment

Treatment begins immediately following accurate diagnosis of bacterial meningitis and
depends on the cause of the meningitis. For all cases, antibiotics are usually
administered. Depending on how ill a person is determines the time when they receive
antibiotics. Corticosteroids are used for children in order to decrease inflammation and
pressure in the skull.

For those suffering from bacterial meningitis, additional information about bacterial meningitis can be found by from the following organizations:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
1600 Clifton Road
Atlanta, GA 30333
(800) 311-3435

Meningitis Foundation of America
6610 North Shadeland Avenue, Suite 200
Indianapolis, IN 46220-4393
(800) 668-1129

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