Meningitis

Injury	Disease	Nutrition	Poison

Symptoms	Surgery	Test	Special Topic

Brudzinski's sign of meningitis

Kernig's sign of meningitis

Lumbar puncture (spinal tap)

Meninges of the brain

Meninges of the spine

Haemophilus influenza organism

Meningitis

Treatment:

Antibiotics will be prescribed for bacterial meningitis; the type will vary depending on the infecting organism. Antibiotics are not effective in viral meningitis. Treatment of secondary symptoms including brain swelling, shock, and seizures will require other medications and intravenous fluids. Hospitalization may be required depending on the severity of the illness and the needed treatment.

Expectations (prognosis):

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Early diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis is essential to prevent permanent neurological damage. Viral meningitis is usually not serious, and symptoms should disappear within 2 weeks with no residual complications.

Complications:

Hearing loss or deafness
Brain damage
Loss of vision
Hydrocephalus

Calling your health care provider:

If you feel that you or your child have symptoms suggestive of meningitis, you must seek emergency medical help immediately. Early treatment is key to a good outcome.