Bacterial Meningitis

What is bacterial meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis is infection of the brain and spinal cord. The membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord, which are called the meninges, become inflamed and infected. The infection is caused by bacteria. It is a life-threatening illness that requires immediate medical treatment.

Bacterial meningitis affects more men than women. At highest risk are older adults, people living in close quarters (such as military recruits and first-year college students in dorms), children under age 5, and people with chronic illnesses.

Another name for this infection is spinal meningitis.

How does it occur?

Bacterial meningitis is caused when blood from another infected part of the body carries bacteria to the brain and spinal cord. Bacteria can also enter the brain when you have an ear or sinus infection, or after a skull fracture.

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, coughing or kissing. None of the bacteria that cause meningitis are as contagious as the viruses that cause the common cold or flu. They are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the same air as the person with meningitis.

What are the symptoms?

Symptoms may include:

• high fever and chills
• headache
• stiff neck and stiff back
• nausea and vomiting
• pain in arms, legs, or abdomen
• a red, blotchy rash
• seizures
• confusion, disorientation, delirium (delusions or hallucinations), coma in severe cases.

How is it diagnosed?

Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and examine you. You may have the following tests:

• spinal tap, also called a lumbar puncture, which means fluid is drawn from the spinal column with a needle for lab tests
• blood tests to look for signs of infection
• CT scan of the brain.

How is it treated?

If your healthcare provider suspects you have bacterial meningitis, you will stay in the hospital for treatment with antibiotics. Treatment must begin right away. You will receive antibiotics intravenously (by vein) for 7 to 10 days or longer.

How long will the effects last?

If bacterial meningitis is treated right away, chances of recovery are good. However, in some cases, brain damage or death can occur.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow the treatment plan prescribed by your healthcare provider. Be sure you finish all medicines and keep your follow-up appointment.

How can I avoid getting bacterial meningitis?

A shot of the meningococcal vaccine can prevent some forms of meningitis. Routine vaccination with this vaccine is recommended for children aged 11 to 12. It is also recommended for the following groups if they have not yet had the shot:

• adolescents before they start high school
• college freshmen living in dorms
• military recruits
• travelers to areas where there they might be exposed to meningococcal bacteria
• 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 also want to ask their provider about getting the meningitis shot.

People who have had close or prolonged contact with someone who has meningitis should tell their 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, your provider may give you antibiotics to help prevent you from getting the disease.