35 Bacterial Meningitis Steinberg Flashcards
What is Meningitis?
Inflammation of the meninges (membranous coverings of the CNS). Stiff neck and pain with neck movement. Marked pleocytosis (increased in white cells and differential)
What is Encephalitis?
Inflammation of brain parenchyma. Altered mental status (confusion, obtundation –> coma). Headache and photophobia. Mild pleocytosis
What is Meningoencephalitis?
Inflammation of the brain parenchyma with meningeal involvement. Combination of both signs and symptoms. Mild to moderate pleocytosis
What are the layers of the meningies (from outer to inner)?
Dura mater. Arachnoid. Pia mater
What is the Dura Mater?
Parchment-like membrane directly beneath and adherent to the skull
What is the Pia Mater?
Lies directly over the brain tissue
What is the Arachnoid?
Middle layer between dura and pia mater
What is the Subarachnoid Space?
CSF formed by ependymal cells in the lateral ventricles (infection of this space = meningitis). Adults : 110-160 ml
What is Vasogenic Edema?
Cytokines damage endothelial cells and BBB
What is Cytotoxic Edema?
Damage to brain cells –> increase of intracellular water
What is Interstitial Edema?
Obstruction of CSF flow and uptake
What can happen with increased intracranial pressure?
Reduced cerebral perfusion secondary to edema, (-) autoregulation. Cerebral ischemia secondary to thrombosis of meningeal vessels. Vasculitis. Direct neuronal cell damage secondary to bacterial elements, activated leukocytes, cytokines, and other inflammatory mediators
What is Brain Herniation?
Can result from increased ICP. Can result from sudden pressure change during/after LP (lumbar puncture; inserted between 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae)
What are the Sequelae?
Seizures. Hearing impairment. Vascular complications. Learning impairment, mental retardation. Hemiparesis, hemiplegia, paralysis, focal neurologic sensory/motor deficits. Hydrocephalus
What are the signs/symptoms of Meningitis in adults and older children?
Fever > 104 F. HA. Vomiting. Stiff neck; Kernig’s or Brudzinski’s sign. Irritability and drowsiness. Photosensitivity. Altered mental status. Focal neurologic deficits. Seizures. Coma (rare)
What are the signs/symptoms of Meningitis in infants and young children?
Any from the adults. Whimpering and crying in a high-pitched tone. Difficulty walking; lethargic, moribund. Fussiness when being held or cuddled. Arching or retracting the neck. Staring blankly at their surroundings. Reduced feeding, vomiting. Appearing pale or mottled, jaundice. Bulging fontanelle
When should a lumbar puncture be avoided?
When patient has: Cerebral infarction, Cerebral edema, Brain abscess, Hydrocephalus
What are the WBC (/mm3) counts like for the different types of Meningitis?
Bacterial (> 200-5000). Viral (< 200). Fungal/TB (100-1000)