Early and accurate diagnosis is essential for effective management. Diagnostic methods include:
- Lumbar puncture: Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis is critical for diagnosing bacterial meningitis. Elevated white blood cell count, protein levels, and decreased glucose levels are indicative of infection. - Blood cultures: Help identify bacterial pathogens. - Imaging: MRI and CT scans can reveal inflammation or abscesses. - Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR): Useful for identifying viral pathogens like HSV and CMV.
