Meningitis ‘extremely difficult’ to diagnose
GPs find it extremely difficult to diagnose meningitis, according to new research from the University of Bristol.
It has long been accepted that the disease – which causes inflammation of the lining of the brain – is difficult to spot in its early stages, as the symptoms can be similar to those of flu.
But family doctors have reported that they feel under pressure from the public’s fear of meningitis, and that the potentially fatal condition is often at the forefront of GPs and patients’ minds due to increased awareness of the disease
And because the disease is difficult to spot, most GPs “rely heavily on personal experience and intuition” to make their diagnosis, according to Robert Heyderman who led the research at the University’s Department of Pathology & Microbiology and the Division of Primary Care.
Dr Heyderman and his team drew their conclusions after interviewing 26 GPs in both rural and urban practices, and believe their “unique research” brings better understanding of how diagnosis is made in general practice.
The Meningitis Trust funded the work, and the findings have prompted the charity to reiterate its advice that GPs should administer antibiotics as swiftly as possible once they suspect meningococcal disease, which is the most common form of bacterial meningitis in the UK.
Defending support for public awareness campaigns, the Meningitis Trust points out that it is “vital” that people should know about the symptoms of meningitis, allowing them to be vigilant.
Chief executive of the Meningitis Trust, Philip Kirby, adds: “The Meningitis Trust will continue its vital work in raising awareness among health professionals so that it can be recognised more quickly and treated faster – so more lives can be saved”.
The research is published in the August issue of the British Journal of General Practice.
