Patient's question:
A friend's elderly family member was recently diagnosed with bacterial meningitis. Because the elder is quite old, the doctor advised ensuring proper treatment. Besides conservative treatment methods, how should elderly patients with bacterial meningitis be treated? Are there no other methods?Doctor's answer:
If bacterial meningitis occurs multiple times, the most important treatment is to administer antimicrobial drugs. Considering the patient's advanced age, most antibiotics cannot effectively cross the blood-brain barrier, which may result in slower treatment and pose life-threatening risks. It is recommended to be mentally prepared. Additionally, cerebrospinal fluid exchange surgery can be considered, as it can significantly alleviate symptoms. It is advisable to avoid stimulating foods and undergo regular brain CT scans for careful examination.