Knowra Bacterial meningitis Bacterial meningitis Bacterial meningitis is inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord caused by bacterial infection. It can progress rapidly and cause death or lasting neurological injury without prompt treatment.
Blood–brain barrier : A selective interface between blood and the central nervous system that limits the passage of substances and pathogens. Some bacteria cross this interface from the bloodstream to enter the central nervous system.
Streptococcus pneumoniae : A bacterium that commonly causes pneumonia, bloodstream infection, and meningitis. It is a leading cause of bacterial meningitis in adults.
Lumbar puncture : A procedure that withdraws cerebrospinal fluid by inserting a needle into the lower back. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis is central to confirming bacterial meningitis and identifying its cause.
Hearing loss : Partial or complete reduction in the ability to hear. Damage to the inner ear or auditory pathways is a frequent lasting complication.
Viral meningitis : Inflammation of the meninges caused by viral infection, often less severe than bacterial meningitis. It can resemble bacterial meningitis but usually has different causes, treatment, and outcomes.
Meninges : The three protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord: dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater. These are the membranes inflamed in meningitis.
Neisseria meningitidis : A bacterium that can colonize the throat and cause invasive meningococcal disease. It causes meningitis outbreaks and can spread rapidly among close contacts.
Cerebrospinal fluid analysis : Laboratory examination of cerebrospinal fluid for cells, chemistry, microbes, and other abnormalities. Its cell counts, glucose, protein, stain, and cultures help distinguish bacterial infection.
Epilepsy : A neurological disorder characterized by a lasting tendency to have recurrent unprovoked seizures. Brain injury from severe meningitis can lead to later seizures and epilepsy.
Fungal meningitis : Inflammation of the meninges caused by fungi, often affecting people with weakened immunity. Its slower course and antifungal treatment distinguish it from acute bacterial disease.
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