Chronic Meningitis—A Clinical Dilemma

Abstract

Lumbar puncture should be performed promptly and carefully on the patient with even a trace of meningeal irritation. The best approach to the clinical dilemma of chronic meningitis is a methodical, stepwise assessment of diagnostic possibilities as indicated by the cell count and sugar concentration of the cerebrospinal fluid. An approach to management based on categorization of patients according to these variables is outlined, and antimicrobial treatment schedules are presented.