Meningitis (Meningeal Inflammation)

Inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord due to microorganisms; the bacterial form requires emergency treatment.

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Neurological Infections

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1Overview

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What is this Condition?

Meningitis is inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Bacterial meningitis is the most serious type; it can progress rapidly over hours to days and, if not treated promptly, can be life-threatening or cause permanent damage. Viral meningitis generally follows a milder course and usually resolves spontaneously. Classic symptoms include fever, severe headache, and neck stiffness, though not all three may be present together in every patient. Treatment for suspected bacterial meningitis must begin within the first hour; delay increases the risk.

Symptoms

High fever and chills

Severe, generalized headache

Neck stiffness (inability to touch chin to chest)

Light sensitivity, nausea and vomiting

Altered consciousness, drowsiness, seizures

Small red-purple rash on skin, irritability in infants and bulging fontanelle

Diagnosis Methods

The most reliable diagnostic method is examination of cerebrospinal fluid obtained by lumbar puncture. In bacterial meningitis, inflammatory cells markedly increase in the fluid, protein rises, glucose decreases, and microorganisms may grow on culture. Rapid microscopic staining and genetic (PCR) tests are also used. Blood culture is obtained before antibiotics. Some patients require brain tomography before lumbar puncture; in such cases, treatment is started without delay.

Treatment Methods

Bacterial meningitis is an emergency; with suspicion, intravenous antibiotic therapy is started within the first hour, without waiting for lumbar puncture results, because every hour of delay increases the risk. Broad-spectrum antibiotics are given initially based on age and risk factors, then narrowed according to culture results. Corticosteroid therapy given with or just before antibiotics is an effective medication that can reduce permanent damage such as hearing loss. Treatment duration varies from 7-21 days depending on the microorganism. For viral meningitis, supportive treatment with analgesics and fluids is sufficient; most patients recover spontaneously.

Intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotic therapy started within the first hour

Targeted antibiotic based on culture results (7-21 days)

Corticosteroid (dexamethasone) to reduce permanent damage

Supportive treatment with analgesics and fluids in viral meningitis

Treatment Path

Related Treatments

The procedures and interventions most commonly explored with this condition.

4 links

Lumbar Puncture

Collection of cerebrospinal fluid through a needle in the lower back

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Intracranial Pressure Monitor Placement

Monitor implantation for continuous intracranial pressure monitoring

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External Ventricular Drainage

External Ventricular Drainage procedure

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Endoskopik intraserebral/intraventriküler hematom boşaltımı

Endoskopik intraserebral/intraventriküler hematom boşaltımı procedure

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References

Greenberg MS. Handbook of Neurosurgery. 10th ed. Thieme; 2023.
Winn HR, ed. Meningitis and Encephalitis. Bölüm 44. In: Winn HR, ed. Youmans and Winn Neurological Surgery. 6th ed. Elsevier; 2011.
Sekhar LN, Fessler RG, eds. Atlas of Neurosurgical Techniques: Brain. 2nd ed. Thieme; 2015.
Tunkel AR, Hartman BJ, Kaplan SL, et al. Practice Guidelines for the Management of Bacterial Meningitis. Infectious Diseases Society of America (IDSA). Clin Infect Dis. 2004.

This content is for informational purposes and based on academic sources; consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment.

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Meningitis (Meningeal Inflammation)

Neurological Infections

1Overview

What is this Condition?

Symptoms

Diagnosis Methods

Treatment Methods

Related Treatments

Lumbar Puncture

Intracranial Pressure Monitor Placement

External Ventricular Drainage

Endoskopik intraserebral/intraventriküler hematom boşaltımı

References

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Lumbar Puncture

Intracranial Pressure Monitor Placement

External Ventricular Drainage

Endoskopik intraserebral/intraventriküler hematom boşaltımı

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