17.3 Meningitis Flashcards
What are the 3 layers between the skull and the brain?
- Dura
- Arachnoid
- Pia
What are the leptomeninges?
Arachnoid and Pia - both of which are very light and thin
What is meningitis?
Inflammation of the leptomeninges (arachnoid and pia)
Common Causes of Meningitis in Neonates
- Group B Strep
- E. coli
- Listeria monocytogenes
Common Causes of Meningitis in Children and Teenagers
- N. meningitidis (enters via the nasopharynx)
Common Causes of Meningitis in Adults and the Elderly
- Strep pneumo
Common Causes of Meningitis in Unvaccinated Infants
- H. flu
Common Causes of Meningitis in the Immunocompromised
- Fungi
What is the most common viral cause of meningitis?
Coxsackievirus
What is the classic triad of symptoms for meningitis?
- Headache
- Neck stiffness
- Fever
What is the level lumbar punctures are taken at?
Between L4 and L5
What level does the spinal cord end at?
L2
What is NOT pierced when a lumbar puncture is take?
Pia mater. It is NOT pierced.
What will be seen on lumbar puncture in bacterial meningitis?
- Neutrophils
- Low glucose
- Positive Gram stain and culture
What will be seen on lumbar puncture in viral meningitis?
- Lymphocytes
- Normal CSF and glucose