How can we Diagnose Meningitis?
Meningitis is diagnosed by analysis of the spinal fluid (cerebrospinal fluid or CSF). Spinal fluid is obtained by a procedure called the lumbar puncture or spinal tap in which a needle is inserted in the lower back and the spinal fluid is extracted. The CSF is then subjected to biochemical analysis to find out if there are increased or decreased white blood cells, sugar and proteins. The fluid is also stained and cultured for the growth of bacteria.
Other investigations include blood tests and CT scan of the brain
