What Are the Treatments for Bacterial Spinal Meningitis?

Bacterial meningitis is an infection that affects the fluid in the brain and spinal cord. Bacterial meningitis is a serious medical condition, but can be successfully treated if detected early. Left untreated, it can cause brain damage and death.

Identification

• Bacterial meningitis is caused by bacteria that can be spread by nasal discharge or from the throat of an infected person. This type of meningitis is much more serious than viral meningitis, which is caused by a virus rather than bacteria.

Diagnosis

• Bacterial meningitis is diagnosed from a spinal tap. A doctor uses a needle to extract fluid from the spinal cord for analysis to identify the bacteria infecting the patient.

Treatment

• Ampicillin, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, gentamicin sulfate, penicillin G and vancomycin are some of the antibiotics commonly prescribed in the treatment of this medical condition. The type of antibiotic used depends on the type of bacteria infecting the patient.

Effects

• Antibiotics may have some side effects that include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and allergic reactions. An allergic reaction may result in difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face and tongue and wheezing. Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening.

Considerations

• Antibiotics for bacterial meningitis are usually given through an IV catheter several times daily. The duration of treatment varies with the type of bacteria, the severity of the illness, the person's age and the likelihood of complications.