Meningitis

Meningitis is inflammation of the membranes (meninges) covering the brain and the spinal cord. Although the most common causes are infection (bacterial, viral, fungal or parasitic), chemical agents and even tumor cells may cause meningitis. Encephalitis and brain abscess can complicate infective meningitis.

Diagnosis

Most important in the diagnosis of meningitis is examination of the cerebrospinal fluid. A lumbar puncture should be performed promptly whenever the diagnosis of meningitis is suspected. The opening pressure is recorded and the cerebrospinal fluid sample is taken for microscopic examination (complete blood count with differential), chemical analysis (glucose and protein) and microbiology (gram staining and bacterial cultures).

Related Topics:
Cerebrospinal fluid - Lumbar puncture - Complete blood count - Glucose - Protein - Gram staining - Bacterial cultures

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In patients with focal neurological deficits or signs of increased intracranial pressure, a CT scan of the head should be obtained to help determine if there is a raised intracranial pressure that might cause a serious or fatal brain herniation during lumbar puncture. In the absence of these signs, a CT scan is unnecessary and should not delay lumbar puncture and initiation of antibiotic therapy.

Related Topics:
Intracranial pressure - CT scan - Head - Brain herniation - Antibiotic

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