Your health care provider may recommend a broad-spectrum antibiotic until the exact cause of the meningitis is known. The antibiotic or combination of antibiotics depends on the type of bacteria causing the infection. This helps to ensure recovery and reduce the risk of complications, such as brain swelling and seizures. Bacterial meningitisĪcute bacterial meningitis must be treated right away with intravenous antibiotics and sometimes corticosteroids. The treatment depends on the type of meningitis you or your child has. Or you may be given a test to check for antibodies against certain viruses to determine the specific cause and proper treatment. If viral meningitis is suspected, you may need a DNA-based test known as a polymerase chain reaction amplification. In people with meningitis, the fluid often shows a low sugar level along with an increased white blood cell count and increased protein.Īnalyzing the fluid also may help identify which bacterium caused the meningitis. A definitive diagnosis of meningitis requires a spinal tap to collect cerebrospinal fluid. X-rays or CT scans of the chest or sinuses may show an infection that may be associated with meningitis. Computerized tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans of the head may show swelling or inflammation. Then it will be studied under a microscope to see whether bacteria are present. A sample also may be placed on a slide and stained. A blood sample is placed in a special dish to see if it grows microorganisms such as bacteria.
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