What Is the Diagnosis & Prospects for a Patient That Has Meningitis?

Meningitis, a serious medical condition, occurs when the spinal cord, cerebrospinal fluid and brain membranes become inflamed. Meningitis may run its course and resolve without permanent damage, or it may cause permanent disability. Meningitis may be caused either by a viral or a bacterial infection. Viral meningitis usually does not cause any serious effects, but bacterial meningitis is much more serious and can be fatal.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of meningitis include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, vomiting, confusion, seizures, poor appetite, skin rash, leg pain, cold feet and hands, and pale skin, according to the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

• Meningitis may improve within a few weeks or it may become life-threatening. Meningitis should be taken seriously and treated aggressively.

Diagnosis

• Physicians diagnose meningitis by using tests such as X-rays, CT scans and a spinal tap. Physicians also use testing to determine whether the meningitis is viral or bacterial.

Prognosis

• According to the National Meningitis Association, bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous form of meningitis. Bacterial meningitis strikes approximately 3000 people each year in the United States. Of those affected, about 20% will have serious long-term complications and about 10% will die as a result of the infection. The prognosis of meningitis depends on the severity of the infection and on how soon treatment is administered. Early treatment often results in a full recovery with no long-term complications. Without prompt medical treatment, meningitis can cause complications such as blindness, deafness, speech impairments, learning disabilities, brain damage, paralysis, kidney failure, adrenal gland failure and even death.

Treatment

• Treatments for meningitis may include antibiotics, fluid drainage, pain medications and fever medications. Hospitalization is often required.