Hello Doctor, Have A Family Friend Who Has Bacterial Meningitis

Posted on Sat, 13 Jul 2019

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sat, 13 Jul 2019 Answered on

Last reviewed on

Question : Hello Doctor,

Have a family friend who has bacterial meningitis and encephalitis. She has been in icu since the 19th of XXXXXXX 3 lumber punctures have been inconclusive. She has had MRI scan that has shown white covering over the brain. To date the doctors can not identify the strand of Meningitis and in addition there was a delay in diagnosing the Encephalitis. Tomorrow the Doctors will carry out a biopsy.

Appreciate your diagnosis and plan for further care.

Many Thanks
Mr XXXXXXX
Saudi Arabia
Tel : 0000

Answered by Dr. Dr. Erion Spaho (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Biopsy is the right thing to do in this moment.

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to “Ask a Doctor “service.

I have read your question and here is my advice.

The diagnosis of meningoencephalitis is largely clinical, tests help to confirm it and the underlying cause.

Since the cerebrospinal fluid examination was inconclusive, I think too that biopsy is the next step in order to get a correct diagnosis ( bacterial,viral or fungal).

In meantime, supportive treatment ( oxygen supplement, fluids, antipyretic drugs, etc.) together with appropriate antibiotics, should be continued.

Hope you found the answer helpful.

Let me know if I can assist you further.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T