Cerebral Inflammation

Question 1

Define meningitis.

Answer 1

inflammation of the meninges caused by viral or bacterial infection

Question 2

Define encephalitis.

Answer 2

inflammation of the brain caused by infection or autoimmune mechanisms

Question 3

Define cerebral vasculitis.

Answer 3

inflammation of blood vessel walls (sometimes called angiitis)

Question 4

If the CNS densely or sparsely vascularised?

Answer 4

densely

Question 5

What forms the blood brain barrier?

Answer 5

capillaries with extensive tight junctions

Question 6

Function of blood brain barrier

Answer 6

controls entry/exit of particles

Question 7

Initial symptoms of encephalitis

Answer 7

flu like symptoms, pyrexia, headache

Question 8

Subsequent symptoms of encephalitis

Answer 8

confusion or disorientation
seizures or fits
changes in personality and behaviour
difficulty speaking
weakness or loss of movement
loss of consciousness

Question 9

Most causes of encephalitis is caused by?

Answer 9

viral infection e.g. herpes simplex, measles, varicella, rubella

Question 10

List other causes of encephalitis.

Answer 10

mosquito, tick, insect bites, bacterial/fungal infections, trauma, autoimmune

Question 11

List treatments for encephalitis.

Answer 11

antivirals, steroids, antibiotics, antifungals, analgesics, anti convulsants, ventilation

Question 12

What is multiple sclerosis?

Answer 12

autoimmune degneration demyelinating disease of CNS

Question 13

Relapses in multiple sclerosis linked to?

Answer 13

inflammatory activity

Question 14

Progression of MS is linked to?

Answer 14

neurodegeneration

Question 15

Summarise the cellular pathology of MS.

Answer 15

inflammation
demyelination
axonal loss
neurodegeneration

Question 16

List causes of meningitis.

Answer 16

bacterial, viral, fungal

Question 17

most common cause of bacterial meningitis in the UK

Answer 17

meningococcal

Question 18

Main cause of bacterial meningitis in newborn babies

Answer 18

streptococcal