Bacterial Meningitis

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 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.
  
  
• 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:

You may be given the following medicines:

• 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.
  
  
• Fever medicine: This medicine lowers your temperature. Common medicines used to lower temperature include acetaminophen and ibuprofen.
  
  
• Steroids: This medicine may be given to decrease inflammation.

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.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• Certain illnesses caused by a bacteria can lead to bacterial meningitis. By taking steps to help prevent these illnesses, you can also help prevent bacterial meningitis. Ask your caregiver if you need any of the following vaccines:
  
  
  • Meningococcal conjugate vaccine: This vaccine is also called MCV. It helps prevent certain types of meningococcal disease. In adolescents, the MCV is usually given in 2 doses, starting between 11 and 12 years of age and again at 16 years. People up to 55 years old with certain medical conditions and those at high risk for the disease may get the vaccine. A booster shot may be needed every 3 to 5 years for those who remain at high risk.
    
    
  • Meningococcal Polysaccharide Vaccine: This vaccine is also called MPV. The vaccine helps prevent certain types of meningococcal disease. The MPV usually is given to adults older than age 55 who are at high risk for the disease.
    
    
  • Pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine: This vaccine is also called PPV. It helps prevent pneumococcal disease, such as pneumonia. Adults ages 65 years and older should get the vaccine. People who are at higher risk for pneumococcal disease also may need the vaccine.

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 (CDC)
  1600 Clifton Road
  Atlanta , GA 30333
  Phone: 1- 800 - 232-4636
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/
  

• National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases
  NIAID Office of Communications & Government Relations
  6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612
  Bethesda , MD 20892-6612
  Phone: 1- 301 - 496-5717
  Phone: 1- 866 - 284-4107
  Web Address: www3.niaid.nih.gov
  

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.

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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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