Bacterial Meningitis

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is bacterial meningitis? Bacterial meningitis is also called spinal meningitis. It is an infection and inflammation (swelling) of the meninges caused by bacteria (germs). Meninges are linings that cover the brain and spinal cord. Normally, the meninges serve as a wall between the blood and the brain and spinal cord. 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 an inflammation. Because of the inflammation, blood flow is decreased to the brain and there is increased pressure in your head. Bacterial meningitis is more common in those under 2 years, age 15 to 24 years, or over 60 years.

What causes bacterial meningitis? Bacterial meningitis is caused by different types of bacteria. The bacteria may be found in the mouth, throat, or nose. These bacteria are spread from an infected person to another by coughing, kissing, or sharing food or drinks. It can also spread from an ear, nose, throat, sinus, or brain infection. A head injury or head surgery may also spread the infection.

Who is at risk of having bacterial meningitis?

• Adults over 60 years of age.
  
  
• Young adults between 15 and 24 years
  
  
• Children less than 2 years of age.
  
  
• People with diabetes (high blood sugar), cancer (tumor), or who have received transplanted organs.
  
  
• Those recently exposed to bacterial meningitis at home or crowded places.

What are the signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis? It may only take a few hours to a few days to have any of the following signs and symptoms:

• High fever and chills.
  
  
• Severe headache.
  
  
• Nausea (upset stomach) or vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Red or purple skin rash.
  
  
• Stiff neck or neck pain.
  
  
• Eye pain when looking into bright lights.
  
  
• Sleepiness or confusion (unclear thinking).

How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed? 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.
  
  
• Throat Culture: This is a test that may help caregivers learn which type of germ is causing your illness. A throat culture is done by rubbing a cotton swab against the back of your child's throat.

How is bacterial meningitis treated?

Medicines: Your caregiver may give you the following kinds of medicines:

• 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 medicine lowers your temperature. Common medicines used to lower temperature include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
  
  
• Steroids: Steroid medicine may be given to decrease inflammation, which is redness, pain, and swelling.

What problems can bacterial meningitis cause?

• Seizure (convulsion).
  
  
• Hearing loss.
  
  
• Blindness.
  
  
• Heart, kidney, or adrenal gland diseases.
  
  
• Coma.
  
  
• Death.

How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?

• Antibiotic medicines may be given if you have been exposed to someone with bacterial meningitis. You may also receive antibiotics if you have a weak immune system.
  
  
• Be vaccinated (shots) against infections caused by viruses or bacteria.
  
  
• Stay away from people with bacterial meningitis, the flu, or a cold.
  
  
• Discard tissue after wiping or blowing your nose.
  
  
• Wash your hands often with soap and water to prevent spreading or getting the infection.
  
  
• Family members and friends should not share eating or drinking utensils if they have bacterial meningitis.

Where can I get support and more information? Accepting that you have bacterial meningitis may be hard. You and those close to you may feel scared, sad, or angry. These are normal feelings. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Contact the following for more information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  National Center for Infectious Diseases
  Phone: 1-888-4437232
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/
  

• National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases
  NIAID Office of Communications & Public Liaison
  6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612
  Bethesda, Maryland 20892-6612
  Phone: 1-301-496-5717
  Web Address: www3.niaid.nih.gov
  

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.

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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