Bacterial meningitis has a much higher fatality rate than viral meningitis. In , overall , Factors such as age — being either very young or very old — and having a weak immune system can increase the risk of death. Amebic meningitis has a death rate that is much higher. Among people who do survive meningitis, complications are common, especially when meningitis damages the neurological system.
A meta-analysis of children diagnosed with meningitis found the following complication rates after hospital discharge:. A person who thinks they might have meningitis should not delay care, and should be clear and specific at the emergency room about what symptoms they are experiencing. A person should tell a doctor about any recent potential meningitis exposures, and request testing for meningitis immediately. Meningitis affects the membranes around the brain and spinal cord.
It is the most dangerous type of meningitis and can be fatal. Swift treatment with…. Many people recover from meningitis with proper medical treatment, but some people may have lifelong effects. Learn about how meningitis affects the…. There are several types of meningitis vaccine, and each protects against a different type of meningitis.
Learn more here. Learn all about aseptic meningitis, a form of meningitis not caused by bacteria. We look at what causes it, the symptoms, and treatment options. What to know about meningitis testing and diagnosis. Medically reviewed by Jill Seladi-Schulman, Ph. When to seek help Types of tests Meningitis causes Outlook Summary Meningitis occurs when the meninges, the protective coating around the brain and spinal cord, becomes inflamed. Seek immediate medical attention.
Types of tests and diagnosis. Scientists identify new cause of vascular injury in type 2 diabetes. Adolescent depression: Could school screening help? Related Coverage. All about bacterial meningitis. Medically reviewed by Elaine K. Luo, M. What are the effects of meningitis?
CT scan. A scan of the brain can reveal inflammation, internal bleeding, or other abnormalities. It can also detect conditions such as brain swelling, abscess, or hemorrhage, which could make a lumbar puncture unsafe.
Lumbar puncture. The inflammation associated with meningitis is most often caused by an infection of the cerebral spinal fluid, which surrounds the brain and spinal cord. A lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap, enables your doctor to collect a sample of this cerebrospinal fluid from a small area in your lower back.
This fluid is sent to the lab and analyzed to determine if there is an infection. Viral meningitis tends to have more lymphocytes another type of white blood cell and more protein. Once all the results are in, the medical team should have the information needed for a more precise diagnosis and further treatment.
By subscribing you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Meningococcal disease. Updated January 21, What is the meningitis rash? Updated March Ann Indian Acad Neurol.
American Academy of Ophthalmology. Cerebral visual impairment. Updated March 22, The role of procalcitonin in the diagnosis of meningitis: a literature review. J Clin Med. Lumbar puncture: technique, indications, contraindications, and complications in adults.
Updated October 7, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet. Updated March 16, A practical approach to meningitis and encephalitis. Semin Neurol. Updated August 11, Rheumatoid meningitis presenting with a stroke-like attack treated with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator: a case presentation.
BMC Neurol. University-based outbreaks of meningococcal disease caused by serogroup B, United States, — Emerg Infect Dis. Diagnostic testing of neurologic infections. Neurologic Clinics. Salazar L, Hasbun R. Cranial imaging before lumbar puncture in adults with community-acquired meningitis: clinical utility and adherence to the Infectious Diseases Society of America guidelines. Clin Infect Dis. Your Privacy Rights. To change or withdraw your consent choices for VerywellHealth.
At any time, you can update your settings through the "EU Privacy" link at the bottom of any page. These choices will be signaled globally to our partners and will not affect browsing data. We and our partners process data to: Actively scan device characteristics for identification.
I Accept Show Purposes. Table of Contents View All. Table of Contents. Labs and Tests. Differential Diagnosis. Next in Meningitis Guide. Recap The most common symptoms of meningitis are severe headache, stiff neck, and fever. Types of Meningitis. Spinal Tap: Before, During, and After. Meningitis vs. Meningitis Doctor Discussion Guide Get our printable guide for your next doctor's appointment to help you ask the right questions.
Download PDF. Email the Guide Send to yourself or a loved one. Sign Up. Recap A spinal tap is needed to confirm a diagnosis of meningitis and to help identify the type of infection.
Your Blood Pressure Measurement. Frequently Asked Questions How do you diagnose meningitis? What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis? How do blood tests help diagnose meningitis? How is an eye exam used to diagnosed meningitis? What role do imaging tests play in diagnosing meningitis? They: Ensure there are no conditions that rule out the use of a lumbar puncture, like a brain mass or increased intracranial pressure ICP Help differentiate meningitis from encephalitis , stroke , brain tumors , or other neurological conditions with similar features Assess for complications of meningitis, like cerebral edema , venous thrombosis , and hydrocephalus.
How Meningitis Is Treated. Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What are your concerns? Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Related Articles. Infections That Cause Headaches and a Fever.
What Is a Brain Infection? How Pilocytic Astrocytoma Is Diagnosed.
0コメント