Making the Diagnosis
Your doctor will ask you questions about your symptoms and perform a physical exam. Your doctor will want to confirm the diagnosis by analyzing a sample of CSF.
Fluid is drawn through a needle from the lower part of the spinal cord in a procedure called a lumbar puncture (spinal tap). The fluid is then checked for the presence and type of bacteria. Knowing which species of bacteria is responsible for the meningitis allows your doctor to tailor the treatment for best results.
Your doctor may also order other tests such as blood tests and computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.