Bacterial meningitis is a serious infection that causes inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can affect anyone, but is most common in infants, children, and older adults. Prompt diagnosis and treatment are crucial as it can lead to severe complications or death.
Bacterial meningitis is an acute inflammation of the meninges caused by bacterial invasion, leading to increased intracranial pressure and potential neurological damage. It is a medical emergency requiring rapid diagnosis and empiric antibiotic therapy.
| Condition | Distinguishing Feature |
|---|---|
| Viral Meningitis | Typically less severe, often with a less pronounced headache and nuchal rigidity, and CSF typically shows lymphocytic pleocytosis with normal glucose. |
| Encephalitis | Primarily affects brain parenchyma, leading to more pronounced focal neurological deficits, seizures, and altered consciousness, with less prominent meningeal signs. |
| Subarachnoid Hemorrhage (SAH) | Sudden onset of the 'worst headache of life', often without fever or nuchal rigidity initially, and CSF shows xanthochromia or blood. |
| Brain Abscess | More subacute onset, often with focal neurological deficits, and imaging (CT/MRI) is key for diagnosis. |
| Migraine | Can present with severe headache and photophobia, but typically lacks fever and nuchal rigidity, and neurological examination is normal. |
| Sepsis without meningitis | Systemic signs of infection, but meningeal signs and CSF findings are absent. |
Management involves prompt administration of empiric broad-spectrum intravenous antibiotics after CSF collection, along with supportive care including fluid management, fever control, and seizure prophylaxis if indicated. Dexamethasone may be administered prior to or with the first dose of antibiotics in certain cases to reduce inflammation and neurological sequelae.