5th August 2024

Background

Meningitis describes inflammation of the meninges covering the brain and spinal cord. It is a potentially life-threatening neurological emergency requiring urgent treatment and assessment in secondary care. In addition to headache, symptoms also include neck stiffness, fever, photophobia, nausea and vomiting. The key diagnostic investigations are blood cultures and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid taken by lumbar puncture. Cases of meningitis with negative bacterial culture results (for example, viral, fungal and tuberculous meningitis) are referred to as aseptic meningitis. Empirical treatment is initiated on presentation with further treatment being tailored to investigation results.