Patient education: Bacterial meningitis in adults – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is bacterial meningitis? — 

This is a condition that can cause a fever, headache, and stiff neck. It happens when the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord (called the "meninges") gets infected. This sometimes happens after a person has an infection in another part of the body.

Bacterial meningitis is treated in the hospital with IV antibiotics. (An IV is a thin tube that goes into a vein.) Even with treatment, bacterial meningitis can sometimes lead to brain problems. These can include hearing loss or trouble thinking clearly.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure that you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also:

●Take all of your medicines as instructed, even if you are feeling better.

●Get all of the vaccines your doctor recommended. Certain vaccines can lower the chance of getting meningitis again.

●Wash your hands often to lower the risk of getting another infection (figure 1).

Depending on what type of bacteria caused your meningitis, doctors might prescribe antibiotics for people who live with you. This helps lower the chance that they will get the infection, too.

What follow-up care do I need? — 

Your doctor or nurse will tell you when to make a follow-up appointment. Make sure that you know when and where to go.

Some people have long-term problems after having meningitis. Depending on your situation, you might need different types of therapy or support.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call right away if you have:

●Fever, worsening headaches, or a stiff neck

●A seizure

●Trouble seeing or hearing

●Changes in behavior

●Trouble thinking clearly

●Trouble moving or controlling your muscles

More on this topic

Patient education: Bacterial meningitis (The Basics)
Patient education: Headaches in adults (The Basics)
Patient education: Blood culture (The Basics)

Patient education: Headache causes and diagnosis in adults (Beyond the Basics)
Patient education: Headache treatment in adults (Beyond the Basics)