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Meningitis: 12 Frequently Asked Questions
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A reddish or purple skin rash is a very important sign to watch for.
If it does not turn white when you press a glass against it, the rash may be a
sign of blood poisoning. This is a medical emergency.
8. What should I do if someone I know has symptoms of meningitis?
Call the doctor and describe the signs and symptoms. If you cannot reach a
doctor, go to the nearest emergency room right away. If you do not have
transportation, call 911, especially if the skin rash appears along with a
fever.
9. How do doctors diagnose meningitis?
In addition to taking a history and doing a physical exam, the doctor will
likely collect a sample of spinal fluid, called a spinal tap. The doctor
inserts a needle into the lower back to remove the fluid. The doctor examines
this sample for signs of inflammation and to help identify the organism causing
the infection.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) recently approved a new, much faster
test, called the XPert EV test. It can help tell the difference between viral
and bacterial types of meningitis. However, at this time, it is not quite as
accurate as a spinal tap.
Other tests may include:
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- A neurological exam to test nerve, motor, and sensory function; hearing, speech, and vision; balance; mental and emotional status
- Blood and urine tests
- Throat cultures to check for viruses or bacteria
- Computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), or electroencephalography (EEG) to spot specific problems in the brain
10. How do doctors treat meningitis?
Depending upon the severity of illness, you may need to be hospitalized.
Bacterial infections require prompt treatment with antibiotics, which you may
receive by IV (intravenously). This may begin even before diagnosis is
confirmed. Treatment for viral infections is mainly aimed at relieving
symptoms.
As needed, treatment may also include:
-
- Intravenous fluids
- Anticonvulsants for any seizures
- Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
- Pain relievers
11. What are the long-term effects of meningitis?
The outcome of meningitis depends on the cause of the infection, how
quickly treatment begins, and how ill the person becomes. However, these are
possible long-term side effects of the disease:
-
- Fatigue
- Recurring headaches
- Memory or concentration problems
- Mood swings or aggression
- Balance problems or clumsiness
- Temporary or permanent deafness
- Loss of vision, seizures, or brain damage (rare)
- Loss of limbs
12. Is it possible to prevent meningitis?
Two vaccines are available to prevent bacterial meningitis. They both can
help prevent four of the five types of meningococcal disease, which leads to
this type of meningitis. If not previously vaccinated, teens entering high
school or entering college (and who will be living in a dormitory) should be
vaccinated.
The doctor may suggest other steps to prevent meningitis:
-
- Antibiotics, if you've come into close contact with someone who has had meningitis
- Other vaccines
- Good hygiene, such as regular handwashing
- Not sharing food, drinks, or utensils
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