Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsPhysical ExamLabs and TestsImagingNext in Meningitis GuidePrevention of Meningitis

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

Physical Exam

Labs and Tests

Imaging

Next in Meningitis Guide

Healthcare professionals can test for meningitis using different types of exams, lab tests, and imaging. First, a physical examination is done to look for signs ofmeningitisand determine if more testing is needed.

While a variety of tests may be done as part of the diagnostic process, only a lumbar puncture (LP) can confirm meningitis. Also known as a spinal tap, this is an invasive but largely safe procedure that involves removing cerebrospinal fluid and then analyzing it in a lab.

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meningitis diagnosis

Physical Examination

First, your healthcare provider will ask you about your medical history and your symptoms. They will then conduct a physical exam to check for certain signs of meningitis.

Physical indicators of meningitis that a healthcare provider will look for include:

What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis?Immediate diagnosis and treatment for meningitis is important, but that process can only be started if you recognize the signs and symptoms and seek an evaluation promptly.There are several important signs that you can look out for. Seek medical attention if you or your child experience:Severe headachesStiff or painful neckFeverBack painFlu-like symptomsRash anywhere on the bodyNausea or vomitingMental confusionExtreme drowsinessEyes sensitive to lightSeizures*Together, these symptoms are hallmark characteristics of meningitis.

What are the signs and symptoms of meningitis?

Immediate diagnosis and treatment for meningitis is important, but that process can only be started if you recognize the signs and symptoms and seek an evaluation promptly.There are several important signs that you can look out for. Seek medical attention if you or your child experience:Severe headachesStiff or painful neckFeverBack painFlu-like symptomsRash anywhere on the bodyNausea or vomitingMental confusionExtreme drowsinessEyes sensitive to lightSeizures*Together, these symptoms are hallmark characteristics of meningitis.

Immediate diagnosis and treatment for meningitis is important, but that process can only be started if you recognize the signs and symptoms and seek an evaluation promptly.

There are several important signs that you can look out for. Seek medical attention if you or your child experience:

*Together, these symptoms are hallmark characteristics of meningitis.

Several tests and diagnostic procedures may follow.

Spinal Tap

A spinal tap is the only test that can confirm a diagnosis of meningitis.The analysis can also determine the type of meningitis, which can be viral, bacterial, fungal, or aseptic (unrelated to infection).

You will either lie on your side with your legs bent toward your body in a fetal position or you will sit up with your upper body bent over slightly.

Your healthcare provider will sterilize an area of skin on your lower back and insert a hollow needle to allow CSF to be extracted. Your practitioner may measure the fluid pressure once your CSF starts to flow into the needle.

Spinal Tap: Before, During, and After

Blood Tests

Blood tests can be normal in meningitis but sometimes may show signs of infection. These tests may include the following:

Electroencephalogram (EEG)

AnEEGis a test that measures the electrical activity of the brain. It is usually used to evaluateseizuresand changes in consciousness.

While it is not common for meningitis to cause erratic electrical activity in the brain, you might need an EEG if you have either of these. Both are signs of severe meningitis that has advanced toencephalitis, an infection or inflammation of the brain.

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The symptoms of meningitis may be similar to symptoms of other common disorders that affect the nervous system. The following types of imaging can quickly help distinguish them.

Summary

Tests for meningitis may include a physical exam, blood tests, cultures, and imaging. They can be used to check for complications or rule out other serious conditions with similar symptoms.

While certain signs and symptoms may strongly suggest meningitis, only a spinal tap can confirm the diagnosis. This involves taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from the lower back to examine it.

8 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mehndiratta M, Nayak R, Garg H, Kumar M, Pandey S.Appraisal of Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s sign in meningitis.Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2012;15(4):287. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.104337American Academy of Ophthalmology.Cerebral visual impairment.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal disease.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningitis.UpToDate.Lumbar puncture: technique, indications, contraindications, and complications in adults.StatPearls.Meningitis.Velissaris D, Pintea M, Pantzaris N, et al.The role of procalcitonin in the diagnosis of meningitis: a literature review.J Clin Med. 2018;7(6):148. doi:10.3390/jcm7060148National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet.

8 Sources

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Mehndiratta M, Nayak R, Garg H, Kumar M, Pandey S.Appraisal of Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s sign in meningitis.Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2012;15(4):287. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.104337American Academy of Ophthalmology.Cerebral visual impairment.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal disease.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningitis.UpToDate.Lumbar puncture: technique, indications, contraindications, and complications in adults.StatPearls.Meningitis.Velissaris D, Pintea M, Pantzaris N, et al.The role of procalcitonin in the diagnosis of meningitis: a literature review.J Clin Med. 2018;7(6):148. doi:10.3390/jcm7060148National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet.

Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Mehndiratta M, Nayak R, Garg H, Kumar M, Pandey S.Appraisal of Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s sign in meningitis.Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2012;15(4):287. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.104337American Academy of Ophthalmology.Cerebral visual impairment.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal disease.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningitis.UpToDate.Lumbar puncture: technique, indications, contraindications, and complications in adults.StatPearls.Meningitis.Velissaris D, Pintea M, Pantzaris N, et al.The role of procalcitonin in the diagnosis of meningitis: a literature review.J Clin Med. 2018;7(6):148. doi:10.3390/jcm7060148National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet.

Mehndiratta M, Nayak R, Garg H, Kumar M, Pandey S.Appraisal of Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s sign in meningitis.Ann Indian Acad Neurol. 2012;15(4):287. doi:10.4103/0972-2327.104337

American Academy of Ophthalmology.Cerebral visual impairment.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningococcal disease.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Meningitis.

UpToDate.Lumbar puncture: technique, indications, contraindications, and complications in adults.

StatPearls.Meningitis.

Velissaris D, Pintea M, Pantzaris N, et al.The role of procalcitonin in the diagnosis of meningitis: a literature review.J Clin Med. 2018;7(6):148. doi:10.3390/jcm7060148

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.Meningitis and encephalitis fact sheet.

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