Cerebral Inflammation Part 2 Flashcards
What is an infection of the spinal cord known as?
Myelitis - if brain also involved, encephalomyelitis
What types of infections can cause encephalitis and meningitis?
Encephalitis: more commonly viruses (e.g. Herpes Simplex, measles, varicella (chickenpox), rubella (German measles). Meningitis: more commonly bacteria which initially cause an upper respiratory tract infection and then travel through the blood to the brain. Types of meningitis include (most serious is pneumococcal - streptococcus pneumoniae; meningococcal - Neisseria meningitides; Haemophilus influenzae meningitis caused by Haemophilus influenzae b– reduced by Hib vaccination, previously a leading cause in children under 5).
What are some hallmarks of encephalitis and meningitis?
Encephalitis: fever, seizures, change in behaviour, and confusion and disorientation. Meningitis: sudden fever, severe headache, nausea or vomiting, double vision, drowsiness, sensitivity to bright light, and a stiff neck, rash (not always).
What diagnostic tests can be performed? What might be found on these tests?
Neurological examination, CT, MRI, lumbar puncture (CSF is usually clear and colourless; low glucose in bacterial meningitis; raised white blood cell counts are a sign of inflammation), blood, urine analysis
What treatment options are commonly used?
Antibiotics, antivirals, corticosteroids (reduces inflammation), immune suppressors.
What are some of the long term effects of meningitis?
Long term learning disabilities, memory loss, poor concentration, clumsiness/co-ordination problems, headaches, deafness/hearing problems/tinnitus/dizziness/loss of balance, epilepsy, weakness/paralysis/spasms, speech problems, visual problems.
