Unlike most rashes, a rash caused by meningococcal septicemia will not fade or blanch when pressure is applied to it. The glass test makes use of this characteristic to help prove or disprove the source of such a rash. [4] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
The glass must be clear. Solid or translucent tints can make it harder to examine the rash during the test. A tumbler or similar cup is usually the easiest tool to use, but another clear glass or plastic object, like a clear glass bowl, would also work if necessary.
Meningitis rashes may be difficult to see on darker skin tones. To check for rashes, try looking at lighter patches of skin, such as the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. [7] X Research source
Apply enough pressure to cause the skin around the rash to become pale. The pressure must push blood away from the tiny blood vessels at the surface of the skin. If the skin around the rash isn’t pale, you aren’t applying enough pressure to judge the test accurately. The rash may appear to diminish at first. This may be an illusion, as the skin itself around the rash is fading in color while while you press the glass against the skin. Do not end the test here, regardless of how the results appear. If the rash fades, continue to press the glass over the rash and try pressing it on other parts of the rash to ensure that the rash does, in fact, consistently diminish under the glass. [8] X Research source
If the rash consistently fades, it probably isn’t caused by meningitis or septicemia. If the rash does not fade, however, this is a dangerous sign and is indicative of meningococcal septicemia.
If the rash does fade but other signs of meningitis are present, or if there are other major medical concerns, you should still seek immediate medical care. The rash itself is not the definitive test for meningitis, and may fade or be absent altogether, even in confirmed cases of meningitis. You should not wait for a rash to appear before seeking medical treatment. As soon as you suspect that you or someone you know has meningitis, go to the emergency room at your nearest hospital.
the sudden onset of high fevers severe headache unlike most day-to-day migraines stiff neck or difficulty moving the head nausea and/or vomiting confusion and difficulty focusing or concentrating excessive tiredness or a marked difficulty waking up sensitivity to light reduced appetite and thirst skin rash in some cases, but not all seizures or loss of consciousness[9] X Research source
high fever incessant crying that cannot be soothed excessive tiredness, sluggishness, or irritability poor feeding and lack of appetite a stiff body with erratic movements, or floppy and “lifeless”[10] X Research source a tense and/or bulging soft spot on the top of the baby’s head
Shivering is another related symptom. If the patient is kept warm yet still shivers uncontrollably, it could indicate that septicemia has already set in. [12] X Research source
Pain is often experienced in joints and/or muscles. [14] X Research source
Many people with meningitis also suffer from a loss of appetite, nausea, and repeated vomiting.
Note that cases of viral meningitis are not accompanied by a rash. When rashes do appear, they’re the result of bacterial meningitis. [17] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source As meningitis bacteria multiply and build up in the bloodstream, they release endotoxins from their outer coatings. The body is typically unable to fight these toxins, and the poison causes damage to the blood vessels. This process is known as septicemia. [18] X Research source As septicemia worsens, it can damage the body’s organs. Its characteristic rash occurs when the poisoned blood leaks into the tissues beneath the skin. [19] X Research source
Full recovery often depends on prompt treatment, so you should never hesitate to seek medical care if meningitis is suspected. Since many of the symptoms associated with meningitis can also be caused by more common yet less serious illnesses, you may not catch the illness at its earliest stages. Once these symptoms worsen or are accompanied by meningitis-specific symptoms (stiff neck, rashes that won’t fade), you should seek professional medical help.
In order to acquire cerebrospinal fluid, your doctor will need to puncture the space between two lumbar bones in your spinal cord with a syringe equipped with a special spinal needle. They will then draw out a small vial of fluid, which will then be tested to confirm meningitis. [21] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Complete blood counts, blood cultures, urine tests, and chest x-rays may also be used to check for signs of infection. If bacterial meningitis is confirmed, your blood or cerebrospinal fluid may be used to grow a culture of the bacteria in the lab so that doctors can identify the specific strain of bacteria present. The strain of bacteria will determine the course of treatment and the type of antibiotics used. [22] X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Main public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source Depending on the circumstances, doctors may also order a CT scan or MRI to look for swelling of brain tissue or brain damage. [23] X Research source
During hospitalization, antibiotics, antiviral medications, corticosteroids, and fever-reducing medicines will be administered to the patient. Patients who are also struggling to breathe may receive oxygen therapy. Additional care, like IV fluids, will be administered on an as-needed basis. [25] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
thorough and frequent hand-washing not sharing utensils, straws, food/drinks, lip balms, cigarettes, or toothbrushes covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
