Meningitis is a condition which usually causes fever, headache, and neck stiffness. It occurs when the covering layer of the brain and spinal cord is inflamed. This inflammation can happen due to an infection or non-infective causes. Bacterial meningitis is a medical emergency. If it is not treated quickly, it can lead to hearing loss or learning problems in children or even death. Bacterial meningitis usually has a sudden onset and over a short period of time patients may get very sick.

 

Diagnosis & Treatment:

 If you have a fever, headache, and a stiff neck, you should present yourself to an emergency immediately. Call 000 and ask for help. In emergency room a doctor would perform a lumbar puncture (LP). A needle would be placed into your lower back to remove a small amount of spinal fluid which is around your brain and spinal cord. This fluid would be sent to the laboratory for investigation. If your LP is suggestive of Bacterial Meningitis you will receive appropriate IV (through the vein) antibiotics as well as fluid and in some occasions steroid. 

 

Transmission:

Depends on the type of bacteria, there is a chance for person to person transmission.

 

Prevention:

Certain vaccines may prevent bacterial meningitis. To prevent bacterial meningitis, make sure that you and your children have had the vaccinations recommended in national guidelines.

Sometimes, you need to take antibiotics to avoid the infection after being in contact with a patient who is diagnosed with meningitis. Please discuss with your doctor if this is the case.