How do doctors check for meningitis?
a physical examination to look for symptoms of meningitis. a blood test to check for bacteria or viruses. a lumbar puncture – where a sample of fluid is taken from the spine and checked for bacteria or viruses. a CT scan to check for any problems with the brain, such as swelling.
How do you confirm viral meningitis?
To diagnose viral meningitis, the doctor performs a lumbar puncture or 'spinal tap' to obtain some of the fluid that normally surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Laboratory tests on this fluid help the doctor decide whether the infection is caused by a virus or other germ such as bacteria.
What blood tests are done for meningitis?
Meningitis blood tests A complete blood count (CBC) or total protein count check for heightened levels of certain cells and proteins that can suggest a meningitis infection. A procalcitonin blood test can also help your doctor tell if an infection is more likely caused by either bacteria or a virus.
Which procedure is most likely to diagnose meningitis?
Q:Which procedure is most likely used to test for meningitis? A: A spinal tap (or lumbar puncture) is the most common method for obtaining a sample of the fluid in the spinal canal to determine a diagnosis for encephalitis or meningitis.
How can you tell if meningitis is bacterial or viral?
The clues that the doctor uses are the levels of white cells, protein and glucose in the CSF. Typically in bacterial meningitis the white cell count is much higher than in viral meningitis (and is a different type of white cell), the protein is much higher and the glucose is much lower than in viral meningitis.
Can CT scan detect meningitis?
The CT scan is a valuable tool in diagnosing meningitis. The contrast dye that is injected during the test can highlight brain, skull, and sinus inflammation- all complications and signs of meningitis.
What antibiotics treat meningitis?
Commonly used meningitis treatments include a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins, especially Claforan (cefotaxime) and Rocephin (ceftriaxone). Various penicillin-type antibiotics, aminoglycoside drugs such as gentamicin, and others, are also used.
Is WBC high with meningitis?
We found that patients with proved bacterial meningitis based on the CSF results had significantly higher WBC count of WBC ( p<0.001), lower CSF sugar ( p=0.021) and higher PMN count of CSF ( p<0.001) when compared to those with excluded bacterial meningitis.
Can MRI detect meningitis?
Routine contrast-enhanced brain MRI is the most sensitive modality for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis because it helps detect the presence and extent of inflammatory changes in the meninges, as well as complications.
What is the best treatment for viral meningitis?
Treatment. In most cases, there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Most people who get mild viral meningitis usually recover completely in 7 to 10 days without treatment. Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza.
Do antibiotics cure bacterial meningitis?
Antibiotics treat bacterial meningitis in both adults and children. Those with a known or suspected exposure to bacterial meningitis may also take antibiotics to avoid developing the infection. Doctors may shift your treatment plan based on new information they gather about your infection.
Which laboratory result would verify the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis?
Laboratory examination of the CSF is usually the first step to confirm the presence of bacterial meningitis. Note that cytological examination should precede centrifugation and heating of the CSF.
Self-Checks
Examinations
Labs and Tests
Imaging
Differential Diagnosis
- Your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical history and your symptoms. They will then conduct a physical exam to check for certain signs of meningitis. Nothing they note can be considered proof of meningitis, but findings can be helpful indicators that more testing is needed. That said, it's also possible that you may have meningitis but no apparent physical signs. Physic…
Summary
- Several tests and diagnostic procedures may follow. When meningitis is due to an infection, CSF samples may be used to identify the cause. Viral meningitis is the most common type. Bacterial meningitis is the second most common type. In rare cases, meningitis can also be caused by fungal, parasitic, or amebic infections.6