Bacterial Meningitis

How is the infection diagnosed?

Diagnosis of meningitis begins with a medical history and physical examination. The healthcare provider may then do a spinal tap. This procedure uses a thin needle to draw out cerebrospinal fluid, the clear fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. The fluid is sent to the lab for examination.

Bacteria can often be cultured or grown in the lab from a sample of the fluid. This shows which germ is causing the infection. Chemical signs of the bacteria, called an antigen, can be helpful in cases in which the culture does not work.