neurology
Bacterial Meningitis (Adults)
Urgent management of suspected bacterial meningitis — LP timing, antibiotics, steroids
Source: NICE CG102 / BIA 2016
Used in: Meningitis & Encephalitis
Step 1 of ~8
info
Suspected Meningitis
Classic triad: headache, fever, neck stiffness. Also: photophobia, altered GCS, non-blanching rash (meningococcal). Do not delay treatment.
Related
Curated clinical cross-links plus same-class fallbacks.
Drugs
- Dexamethasone (Paediatric) · Corticosteroid — Croup / Bacterial Meningitis / Post-Extubation Stridor / Cerebral Oedema
- Insulin (IV Infusion — ICU Glucose Control) · Insulin — ICU Glucose Management
- Sodium Chloride 3% (Hypertonic Saline) · Hypertonic Electrolyte Solution — ICP/Hyponatraemia Management
- Anthrax Vaccine · Vaccine (Bacterial — Anthrax Prevention)
- Chloramphenicol · Amphenicol — Meningitis (Alternative) / Topical Eye Infections
- Methotrexate (Ectopic) · Antimetabolite (Ectopic Pregnancy Management)
Pathways
- Acute Stroke / TIA Assessment · NICE NG128; RCP Stroke Guidelines 2023
- Status Epilepticus (Adults) · NICE CG137; ESEM guidelines; RCP Neurology Guidelines
- Suspected Subarachnoid Haemorrhage · NICE NG228; RCEM 2023; AHA/ASA 2023
- Adult Head Injury · NICE NG232 (2023)
- Bell's Palsy / Facial Nerve Palsy · ENT UK 2017; AAN
- Vertigo Workup · ENT UK; NICE CKS
Featured in these MRCEM clinical pathways
A deeper exam-focused version of this pathway is available on our sister siteReviseMRCEM.
MRCEM Primary / Intermediate / OSCE candidates: each pathway includes exam-style questions, RCEM/NICE citations, and FAQ summaries.
Decision support only. Always apply local guidelines and clinical judgement.