Bacterial Meningitis Following Spinal Anaesthesia for Caesarean Section: Rare but nearly catastrophic

Abstract

Bacterial meningitis is a disease with a potentially catastrophic outcome requiring immediate diagnosis and intervention. Bacteria can use several routes for migration into the intrathecal space. Lumbar puncture circumvents the normal central nervous system defence barrier and thus carries the potential for infection to be spread to the meninges. In sporadic cases, meningitis can occur, albeit very serious despite the meticulous aseptic techniques. Hence, meningitis finds an important place in the differential diagnosis of post-spinal headache in patients with complaints of intense headaches, fever, sensitivity to light, incoherent behaviour or muscular rigidity in the absence of any psychological disease in the postoperative or postpartum period. It is also mandated to rule out other vital conditions in the postpartum like preeclampsia, which can also have similar manifestations requiring urgent intervention. Adequate care given at the right time can halt disease progression, thereby limiting the damage caused, which often at times could be irreversible. The gravity of the disease should not be undermined in any scenario. Sharp and timely diagnosis is the key to prevent any adversity. Here we have documented a case of meningitis caused by the unpremeditated introduction of bacteria following spinal anaesthesia for Caesarean section and its subsequent management.