A 26-year-old man presents with fever, headache and photophobia. On examination he has neck stiffness but no focal neurological deficit. You suspect b...

Question

A 26-year-old man presents with fever, headache and photophobia. On examination he has neck stiffness but no focal neurological deficit. You suspect bacterial meningitis. What is the most appropriate immediate management before lumbar puncture?

Accepted Answer

Start intravenous broad-spectrum antibiotics after blood cultures, then arrange lumbar puncture when safe

Answer

Delay all antibiotics until after lumbar puncture

Answer

Arrange MRI brain before any treatment

Answer

Give oral antibiotics at home

Answer

Start high-dose steroids alone

uk-plab-1 MCQ (SBA): Suspected bacterial meningitis

A 26-year-old man presents with fever, headache and photophobia. On examination he has neck stiffness but no focal neurological deficit. You suspect bacterial meningitis. What is the most appropriate immediate management before lumbar puncture?