Bacterial meningitis is a rare but serious infection, which can occur in any age group. Early recognition of the condition requires a high index of suspicion. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) investigations are crucial for the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis, and obtaining CSF samples for urgent investigation should be prioritised whenever a diagnosis of bacterial meningitis is being considered. Neuroimaging is frequently performed prior to performing a lumbar puncture either to exclude other differential diagnoses or to assess for the presence of significantly raised intracranial pressure. However, obtaining neuroimaging in all cases of suspected bacterial meningitis delays performing a lumbar puncture and obtaining CSF for important diagnostic investigations. In turn, this may also delay effective treatment and management. The aim of this review is to evaluate the role of neuroimaging prior to lumbar puncture when bacterial meningitis is suspected.