Test for Spinal Meningitis
Meningitis, also referred to as spinal meningitis, is an inflammation of the membranes and fluid that encircles the brain. Depending on the source of the infection, meningitis may simply disappear after a couple of weeks or escalate into a life-threatening condition. There are a variety tests to diagnosis meningitis.
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Causes
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Exposure to bacteria or viruses can cause meningitis. You may experience contamination to these contagious infections through kissing, coughing, sneezing, kissing, sharing a toothbrush or silverware or by being in frequent, close proximity to someone who has the disease.
Symptoms
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Adults who are infected with spinal meningitis may experience sensitivity to light, headaches, fatigue, vomiting and stiffness in the neck and back.
Children may exhibit a blank facial expression, difficulty waking up, loss of appetite, and pale, blotchy skin.
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Physical Exam
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If you are experiencing symptoms associated with meningitis, your doctor will conduct a physical examination that will look for signs of infection on the skin along the spine as well as the around the head and inside the ears and throat.
Throat Culture
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A throat culture can locate and classify the type of bacteria that's causing headaches and pain the neck and throat. A throat culture is not able to specify the kind of bacteria that may be present in the spinal fluid.
X-rays
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Diagnosing meningitis may include X-rays and computerized tomography (CT) scans of the chest, skull or sinuses. These tests may disclose signs of swelling or inflammation.
Spinal Tap
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An absolute diagnosis of meningitis is often made during a spinal tip. This procedure involves the collection and examination of a sample of your cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). When the disease is present, the CSF fluid typically shows a low sugar (glucose) level as well as an elevated white blood cell count and excess protein.
Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Analysis
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If your doctor believes you may have meningitis, you may be asked to undergo a DNA-based test known as a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification. This test will search for the existence of certain causes of meningitis.
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