Exams and Tests

Diagnosis of meningitis is based on a medical history, a physical exam, and tests.

Your doctor will almost always do a lumbar puncture. This is done by inserting a long, thin needle into the spinal canal. The doctor uses the needle to collect samples of spinal fluid to check for bacteria and viruses.

Other tests that may be done include:

• Complete blood count, to check for signs of infection.
• Blood culture, to check for infections.
• Urine test, to check for infection in the urinary tract.
• Chest X-ray, to check for lung infections.
• Biopsy of a skin rash.
• CT scan or MRI, to look for swelling of brain tissue or for complications such as brain damage.

Treatment Overview

Most people with viral meningitis usually start getting better within 3 days of feeling sick, and they recover within 2 weeks. With mild cases of viral meningitis, you may only need home treatment, including drinking extra fluids and taking medicine for pain and fever. To learn more, see Home Treatment.

Bacterial or severe viral meningitis may require treatment in a hospital, including:

• Medicines such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, and medicines to reduce fever. To learn more, see Medications.
• Oxygen therapy, if you have trouble breathing. To learn more, see Other Treatment.
• Supportive care. In the hospital, doctors watch the person closely and provide care if needed. For example, you may need to drink extra liquids or get fluids in a vein (IV). To learn more, see Other Treatment.

Follow-up care

Most healthy adults who have recovered from meningitis don't need follow-up care.

But adults who have other medical problems that make them more likely to have long-term complications or get meningitis again should see their doctors after recovery.

Babies and children always need follow-up care after recovery. They need to be checked for long-term complications such as hearing loss.