Initial management of acute bacterial meningitis in adults: summary of IDSA guidelines.

The management of acute, community-acquired bacterial meningitis is a neurologic and infectious disease emergency. Early recognition and prompt diagnostic evaluation and treatment are essential to the successful treatment of patients with this condition. Recommendations from the Infectious Disease Society of America practice guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of bacterial meningitis are presented and discussed. The importance of a thorough understanding of the appropriate initial management is explained.