It is very important to determine whether a virus or bacteria are causing the meningitis. While children with viral meningitis usually get better without special treatment, bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening. A lumbar puncture is a procedure in which a hollow needle is inserted in the spinal canal in the lower back to withdraw a small amount of spinal fluid. This procedure is very safe. By examining the fluid, the doctor can tell if the meningitis is caused by a virus or bacteria.
Bacterial meningitis is a serious, life-threatening illness.
Children with bacterial meningitis may recover without any problems if the infection was found within the first few hours and treated with antibiotics. Even with appropriate treatment, some types of meningitis can cause brain damage ranging from deafness to paralysis to death. The IV antibiotics are given for 2 weeks. When your child is released from the hospital antibiotics are no longer needed. The bacteria causing the meningitis can be passed from person to person.