How to test for meningitis?

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 05, 2024
00:00
00:00

Meningitis is a very common disease in neurology, and the most common causes are infections, including viral infections, common bacterial infections, tuberculosis infections, and fungal infections. The main methods of examination for meningitis are as follows: First, physical examination. A physical examination can reveal neck stiffness in the patient, and positive meningeal irritation signs. These examinations are non-invasive and very safe. Second, a lumbar puncture can also be performed. A lumbar puncture can be used to observe whether the fluid pressure is high, and also to collect cerebrospinal fluid to examine its color, perform cytological and biochemical analyses, and culture the cerebrospinal fluid. This is very important to definitively determine the presence of meningitis and to identify the type of infectious agent involved. Additionally, enhanced magnetic resonance imaging can also be performed to see if there is significant enhancement of the meninges.

Other Voices

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
37sec home-news-image

What is meningitis?

Meningitis is predominantly an inflammation that occurs in the meninges and can extend to the brain parenchyma. It is generally caused by pathogenic microorganisms, including common pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, tuberculosis bacteria, etc. The most common symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, etc. More severe cases can present with convulsions, disturbances of consciousness, or even coma. The condition can be mild or severe, and if not treated promptly, it can be fatal in serious cases.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
40sec home-news-image

How to test for meningitis?

The main methods for meningitis examination are lumbar puncture and cerebrospinal fluid testing. Cerebrospinal fluid examination may show increased pressure, turbid appearance, and purulent changes, containing a large number of white blood cells and neutrophils. Routine blood tests may also show a white blood cell count significantly higher than normal, predominantly composed of immature neutrophils. Additionally, it is possible to check electrolytes and use auxiliary diagnostic tools such as X-rays, CT scans, and MRI to confirm the diagnosis, facilitating early detection and treatment.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
55sec home-news-image

Early symptoms of meningitis

Meningitis is primarily a clinical display caused by various factors leading to inflammatory lesions and inflammatory exudation in the meninges. It can be triggered by viral infections, as well as bacterial, tuberculous, or fungal infections. Different pathogens can lead to different symptoms. The initial symptoms of meningitis mainly include the following aspects: First, patients generally experience significant fever, which can range from mild to high and persistent, closely related to the specific pathogen involved. Second, patients will have obvious headaches, as the meninges are irritated, and pain is certain. Third, it usually leads to symptoms of increased intracranial pressure such as nausea and vomiting. Fourth, patients may also experience discomfort and pain in the neck, and upon examination, positive signs of meningeal irritation can be observed.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Bian Jun Li
Neurology
56sec home-news-image

Is meningitis scary?

Meningitis is a relatively common infectious disease of the central nervous system in clinical practice. The common types of meningitis seen clinically include viral meningitis, tuberculous meningitis, and purulent meningitis. The main clinical symptoms of meningitis include headache, nausea, vomiting, fever, and signs of meningeal irritation; some may present with focal neurological deficits in symptoms and signs. If meningitis is not treated promptly or the treatment is ineffective, it often leads to significant sequelae, and can even endanger the patient's life. Therefore, meningitis is considered a serious disease of the central nervous system. If diagnosed with meningitis, timely treatment is essential, underscoring the seriousness of the disease.

doctor image
home-news-image
Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
47sec home-news-image

Causes of Meningitis

The main causes of meningitis are bacteria, viruses, fungi, rickettsiae, or other pathogens, which invade the pia mater, spinal cord, and theca mater, causing infection. Clinically, bacterial meningitis is more severe. If it is not treated promptly or if the treatment is ineffective or misdiagnosed, it may lead to death within a few hours or even cause permanent brain damage, resulting in sequelae. Meningitis can affect the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. It may also lead to secondary intracranial infections. It is important to choose antibacterial drugs and medications that nourish brain cells and alleviate cerebral edema for symptomatic treatment promptly.