Bacterial Meningitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Bacterial meningitis is an infection and inflammation (swelling) of the meninges caused by bacteria (germs). Meninges are linings around the brain and spinal cord. Normally, the meninges serve as a wall between the blood and the brain. The meninges prevent germs and other substances from entering the brain and spinal cord.
  
  
• With meningitis, bacteria enter and damage the meninges. The fluid in the brain gets infected which causes inflammation. Because of the inflammation, blood flow is decreased to the brain and there is increased pressure in your head. Signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis are fever, headache, stiff neck, and sleepiness. You may also have a rash, vision changes, nausea (upset stomach), or vomiting (throwing up). Bacterial meningitis can be diagnosed by lumbar puncture, blood tests, and a computerized tomography (CT) scan. Treatment includes antibiotic and anticonvulsant medicines. Bacterial meningitis may be prevented by getting a vaccination (shot).

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

RISKS:

You may be very sick with bacterial meningitis. Your brain may swell and you could have seizures (convulsions). Without early treatment, your brain and other organs could be damaged. You may have hearing, seeing, talking or behavior problems. If left untreated, bacterial meningitis may cause paralysis or death. The risks of serious problems or death are less if you follow your caregiver's advice. Talk to your caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your illness, medicine, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent: You have the right to understand your health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your condition. Your doctor should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to you. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen.

Blood tests: You may need blood taken for tests. The blood can be taken from a blood vessel in your hand, arm, or the bend in your elbow. It is tested to see how your body is doing. It can give your caregivers more information about your health condition. You may need to have blood drawn more than once.

Isolation: You may be put on isolation safety measures if you have an infection or disease that may be given to others. Caregivers and visitors may need to wear gloves, a face mask, or a gown. Visitors should wash their hands before leaving to keep from spreading germs.

Medicines: You may have one or more of the following:

• Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by germs called bacteria.
  
  
• Anticonvulsant medicine: Anticonvulsants are given to control seizures.
  
  
• Fever medicine: This type of medicine is given to help lower your body temperature. Common medicines used to lower temperature include acetaminophen and ibuprofen. Lowering your body temperature may help you feel better.
  
  
• Steroids: Steroid medicine may be given to decrease inflammation, which is redness, pain, and swelling.

Tests: You may have one or more of the following:

• CT scan:
  
  
  • This is also called a CAT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your brain. It may be used to look at bones, muscles, brain tissue, and blood vessels.
    
    
  • You may be given dye before the pictures are taken. The dye is usually given in your IV. The dye may help your caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to shellfish, or have other allergies or medical conditions.
  
  
• Lumbar puncture: This procedure may also be called a spinal tap. During a lumbar puncture, you will need to lie very still. Caregivers may give you medicine to make you lose feeling in a small area of your back. Caregivers will clean this area of your back. A needle will be put in, and fluid removed from around your spinal cord. The fluid will be sent to a lab for tests. The tests check for infection, bleeding around your brain and spinal cord, or other problems. Sometimes medicine may be put into your back to treat your illness.
  
  
• MRI: This test is called magnetic resonance imaging. During the MRI, pictures are taken of your head. An MRI may be used to look at the brain, muscles, joints, bones, or blood vessels. You will need to lay still during a MRI. Never enter the MRI room with an oxygen tank, watch, or any other metal objects. This can cause serious injury. Tell your caregiver if you have any metal implants in your body.
  
  
• Neurologic signs: Neurologic signs are also called neuro signs, neuro checks, or neuro status. Caregivers check your eyes, your memory, and how easily you wake up. Your hand grasp and balance may also be tested. This helps tell caregivers how your brain is working after an injury or illness. You may need to have your neuro signs checked often. Your caregiver may even have to wake you up to check your neuro signs.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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