title: Bacterial meningitis: diagnosis and treatment.
abstract: Bacterial meningitis, once almost universally fatal, remains a cause of serious neurologic illness and subsequent disability. The initial diagnosis, although sometimes clear-cut, can be subtle and difficult. Appropriate intervention may have a favorable influence on outcome. The advent of corticosteroids and brain imaging has improved management but created controversy concerning the sequence at which various interventions should be introduced. Empiric treatment with antibiotics is important in the initial stages. Complications can arise, such as seizures, increased intracranial pressure, and ischemia. The prognosis remains unfavorable for some affected individuals in spite of advances in antibiotic management and supportive care.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurology, MSC10 5620, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131-0001, USA. rsnyder@salud.unm.edu
authors.forename: Russell D
authors.initials: RD
authors.lastname: Snyder
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D016920:Meningitis, Bacterial / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents