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. Learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your caregivers to decide what care you want to receive. 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:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that you may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done. Make sure all your questions are answered.

Blood tests:

You may need blood taken to give caregivers information about how your body is working. The blood may be taken from your hand, arm, or IV.

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: This medicine is given to help treat or prevent an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Anticonvulsant medicine: This medicine is given to control seizures. Take this medicine exactly as directed.
  
  
• Antipyretics: This medicine is given to decrease a fever.
  
  
• Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.

Tests:

You may have one or more of the following:

• CT scan: This test is also called a CAT scan. An x-ray and computer are used to take pictures of your skull and brain. You may be given dye, also called contrast, before the test. Tell the caregiver if you are allergic to dye, iodine, or seafood.
  
  
• 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 scan uses powerful magnets and a computer to take pictures of your brain. It will also take pictures of the blood vessels and structures in your head. You may be given dye, also called contrast, before the test. Tell caregivers if you are allergic to dye, iodine, or seafood. Remove all jewelry, and tell caregivers if you have any metal in or on your body. Metal can cause serious injury. Tell caregivers if you cannot lie still or are anxious or afraid of closed spaces.
  
  
• Neurologic exam: This is also called neuro signs, neuro checks, or neuro status. A neurologic exam can show caregivers how well your brain works after an injury or illness. Caregivers will check how your pupils (black dots in the center of each eye) react to light. They may check your memory and how easily you wake up. Your hand grasp and balance may also be tested.

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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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