Bacterial meningitis where is it found

To diagnose this condition, a healthcare provider will do a spinal tap also called a lumbar puncture to take a sample of fluid from around the spinal cord.

The fluid is then tested for bacteria. The healthcare provider will also ask about your symptoms and do a physical exam. Prompt treatment of bacterial meningitis is crucial. It can save your life. Once the type of bacteria has been identified, you'll start taking antibiotics.

Antibiotics are given through a needle placed into a vein usually in the arm or hand. They may also be given along with a corticosteroid to help reduce inflammation and swelling. Treatment also includes plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

However, even with prompt treatment, some may battle seizures, brain damage, hearing loss, and disability for the rest of their lives. Meningitis can be fatal and some people with this infection will die. Vaccines are available to help prevent bacterial meningitis. Children now routinely get a meningitis vaccine around ages 11 to A booster shot is given at age Ask your healthcare provider if you or your children should be vaccinated.

Bacterial meningitis is contagious. Health Home Conditions and Diseases. What causes bacterial meningitis? What are the risk factors for bacterial meningitis? What are the symptoms of bacterial meningitis? Studies show that 59 percent of recurrent cases are due to anatomical defects, and 36 percent occur in people with a weakened immune system. Treatment for bacterial meningitis normally involves admission to the hospital, and possibly an intensive care unit.

Antibiotics are essential, and these may be started before the results of tests come back, possibly before arrival at the hospital. Treatment includes :. As several types of bacteria can cause bacterial meningitis, so a range of vaccines is necessary to prevent infection. The first vaccine was created in to protect against 4 of the 13 subtypes of N.

A survey of 17 million people in the U. The meningococcal vaccine is the primary vaccine in the U. All children should have this at the age of 11 to 12 years and again at 16 years, when the risk of infection is higher. The Hib vaccine protects children against H. Before its introduction in the U. Influenzae infected over 20, children under 5 years annually, with a 3 to 6 percent mortality rate. Widespread vaccination has reduced the incidence of bacterial meningitis by over 99 percent.

The Hib vaccine is given in four doses at the ages of 2, 4, 6, and 12 to 15 months. Side effects of the vaccines may include redness and soreness at the site of the injection and a fever.

Always check with a doctor to ensure that no allergies to any part of the vaccinations are present. To prevent the spread of bacterial meningitis and other diseases, it is important to practice good hygiene, such as frequent handwashing.

Being aware of the signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis will make it easier to take immediate action can be taken if necessary. There is a huge variety of rashes that can vary significantly in appearance. Some may appear in small patches on the body, and others may spread…. Learn more about pneumococcal meningitis, a rare but life-threatening form of infection. Some types of bacterial meningitis can be prevented through immunizations.

There are vaccines that protect against pneumococcus, meningococcus, and Hib, all of which cause meningitis. Vaccinations are key to the prevention of meningitis. See your doctor to make sure your vaccinations, and those of your children, are up-to-date. Bacterial meningitis can lead to severe health complications, such as stroke and brain damage. It can even be fatal. Complications of the disease are often permanent. Other serious possible complications include:. If you are experiencing symptoms of bacterial meningitis, seek medical care immediately.

The disease can usually be treated with antibiotics. If meningitis is caught early enough a patient can make a full recovery with few or no lingering effects. But the best way to combat meningitis is to prevent it through vaccination and sound health practices. Understanding the causes of meningitis and how it spreads will help you stay healthy and keep you from experiencing this dangerous disease. Certain factors place young adults at increased risk of getting meningitis.

Learn about how lifestyle factors and vaccines can help you avoid this…. Meningitis is frequently misunderstood, yet can cause serious harm and is sometimes fatal. Learn how to the spot the early signs and symptoms of an….

There are important differences between viral, fungal, and bacterial meningitis, in terms of their severity, how common they are, and the way they are….

Meningitis occurs when the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. This is normally caused by infection but can also have…. Although recommended for college students, the meningococcal vaccine is also recommended for all young people and individuals with certain medical….