What Is Spinal Meningitis?
4. Diagnosis
Spinal meningitis is often diagnosed after a physical exam and review of the affected person’s medical history. Pre-existing medical conditions, medications, and contact with ill person’s are also considered when making a diagnosis. Early diagnosis is vital for the most positive outcome, and your doctor may order diagnostic tests to confirm inflammation or infection.
Diagnostic tests commonly used to diagnose meningitis include laboratory screening of body secretions, a neurological examination, and an analysis of your cerebrospinal fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain. Brain imaging scans, such as magnetic resonance imaging and computed tomography may also be ordered to detect the presence of meningitis. Testing with electroencephalography can also be used to identify abnormal brain waves that may suggest viral infections and detect seizures related to meningitis.
Advertisement
