Gram-negative meningitis
Antibiotic treatment through a vein (IV) usually starts right away. If you have a shunt, it may be removed to get rid of the infection.
It is important to recognize the symptoms of this meningitis, and seek treatment as soon as possible. Early treatment may prevent serious illness or death.
Many people recover completely, but a large number of people have permanent brain damage or die from this type of meningitis. Between 40% and 80% of patients with gram-negative meningitis do not survive, although these numbers may be improving. The likelihood of survival depends on:
Go to the emergency room or call the local emergency number (such as 911) if you notice symptoms of meningitis. This condition can be very serious and needs immediate treatment.
Swartz MN. Meningitis: bacterial, viral, and other. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 437.