Definition
Bacterial meningitis means a definite diagnosis of meningitis, confirmed by cerebrospinal fluid showing the presence of pathogenic bacteria. The presence of pathogenic bacteria must be confirmed by culture or other generally medically accepted microbiological testing. The bacterial meningitis must result in new objective neurological deficits persisting for at least 90 consecutive days from the date of diagnosis.
The diagnosis of bacterial meningitis must be made by a specialist.
New neurological deficits must be detectable by a physician and may include, but are not restricted to:
- measurable loss of hearing
- objective loss of sensation
- paralysis
- localized weakness
- dysarthria (difficulty with pronunciation)
- dysphasia (difficulty with speech)
- dysphagia (difficulty in swallowing)
- measurable visual impairment
- impaired gait (difficulty walking)
- difficulty with balance
- lack of coordination
- new onset seizures undergoing treatment or
- measurable changes in neuro-cognitive function
Headache or fatigue will not be considered a neurological deficit.
Exclusion
No benefit will be payable under this condition for viral meningitis.
