What it is
Bacterial meningitis needs urgent treatment in hospital with antibiotics. Close contacts may be given antibiotics too.
Vaccines protect against several types. Some people have lasting effects, such as hearing loss, so follow-up is important.
Common signs
- High temperature
- Severe headache
- Stiff neck
- Dislike of bright lights
- A rash that does not fade when a glass is pressed on it
- Drowsiness, confusion or seizures
- In babies: a bulging soft spot, floppiness and unusual crying
How it is usually diagnosed
- Blood tests
- Lumbar puncture
- Brain scans, sometimes
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Lumbar puncture and blood test results
- Hospital discharge letters
- Hearing tests after the illness
- Vaccination dates
Questions to ask your doctor
- Was it bacterial or viral?
- Do family members need antibiotics?
- What follow-up checks are needed?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Suspected meningitis, especially with a rash that does not fade under a glass: call 112 straight away, do not wait for a rash
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.