How is Meningitis Detected? Key Tests Explained

Posted on: May 8, 2025 | 3 mins | Written by: HDFC ERGO Team

How is Meningitis Detected? Key Tests Explained

Inflammation in any part of the body can be serious, but it is especially concerning when it happens around the brain or spinal cord. That’s what meningitis is – an infection that causes swelling in the protective membranes around these vital areas. It can lead to symptoms like a high fever, a stiff neck, severe headaches and even confusion. Since meningitis can progress quickly, it is important to get it diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. Read on to learn how is meningitis detected.

How is Meningitis Detected?

A healthcare professional can diagnose meningitis by looking at your medical history, doing a physical exam and running a few tests. Common tests for meningitis include:

• Blood cultures:

This test is done to check for germs. A healthcare professional will take a blood sample and put it in a special dish to see if any germs, like bacteria, grow in it. They can also put a sample on a slide, stain it and look under a microscope to check if germs are present.

• Complete blood count (CBC) :

A CBC with differential is a simple test that gives doctors a picture of your health. It looks at the number of red and white blood cells in your blood. White blood cells are your body’s defence against infections. So, if you have meningitis, the number of white blood cells in your blood is typically higher than normal as your immune system responds to the infection.

• Imaging tests:

Your doctor might recommend imaging tests, such as a CT scan or MRI of your head, to look for signs of swelling or irritation. They may also suggest X-rays or CT scans of your chest or sinuses to identify any infections that could be related to meningitis. Chest X-rays can show if you have pneumonia, tuberculosis, or a fungal infection, as meningitis can sometimes develop after pneumonia.

• Spinal tap:

In this procedure, a sample of fluid is taken from the area around your spine. For those with meningitis, the fluid often shows lower sugar levels, an increased white blood cell count and higher protein levels. This test can also help determine the specific germ causing the infection. If it is viral meningitis, doctors may use a test called polymerase chain reaction (PCR) to find the virus's DNA, along with other tests to find the cause.

Conclusion

Meningitis can be serious if not treated quickly and can lead to long-term problems or even be life-threatening. However, with the right treatment early on, most people can fully recover and avoid lasting damage. That’s why it is important to see a doctor without delay to get the right treatment and prevent the infection from spreading or getting worse.

To avoid financial setbacks during medical emergencies, it is wise to stay covered under a health insurance policy and critical illness insurance. These insurance products can help cover your medical bills so you can focus on treatment and recovery without worrying about the financial burden.

Disclaimer: The above information is for illustrative purposes only. For more details, please refer to the policy wordings and prospectus before concluding the sales.

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