CNS Infections Flashcards
What are the 3 organisms that cause meningitis?
- Neisseria meningitidis (g-ve diplococci).
- S.pneumoniae (g+ve cocci chain).
- Listeria monocytogenes (g+ve bacilli).
What are the 3 organisms that cause meningitis in children?
1) 1. E.coli (g-ve bacilli).
2) Group B streptococci e.g. s.agalactiae.
3) Listeria monocytogenes.
What are the main symptoms of meningitis?
1) Non-petechial rash
2) Neck stiffness
3) Fever
4) Headache
5) Photophobia
6) Papilloedema
What investigations would you conduct for someone with meningitis?
1) Blood cultures
2) Bloods: FBC, CRP, U&E, Serum glucose, lactate
3) Lumbar puncture
4) CT Head scan
5) Throat swabs
What are the main treatments for meningitis?
1) Cefotaxime: (Amoxicillin as well if L. monotcytogenes infection)
2) Steroids: Reduce inflammation in S. Pneumoniae infection
At what spinal level would you conduct a Lumbar puncture and what are the main adverse effects?
L4/5
Headache, Paraesthesia, CSF leak and Damage to the spinal cord
What investigations would you do on CSF?
MCS, Protein and Glucose levels, Bacterial/Viral PCR
Where is encephalitis most common and what are the main symptoms?
- Immunocompromised (Inflammation of cerebral cortex)
1) Fever 2) Headache 3) Lethargy 4) Behavioural change
What is the main treatment for encephalitis?
Acyclovir
What are the main symptoms of Rabies?
- Fever.
- Anxiety.
- Confusion.
- Hydrophobia.
- Hyperactivity.
What are the main symptoms of Tetanus?
- Inoculation through skin via Clostridium Tetani
1. Trismus (lockjaw).
2. Sustained muscle contraction.
3. Facial muscle involvement.
(Tetanospasmin and Tetanolysin)
What causes botulism and what are the main symptoms?
Clostridium Botulinum
Diplopia, Dysphagia and Peripheral Weakness
What is the purpose of the Glasgow-Coma scale?
Assess consciousness levels