CNS Infections Flashcards
what are some of the signs and symptoms of meningitis
neck stiffness, headache, fever, delirium, irritability, LOC
what are 2 signs that indicate meningitis
kernig’s and brudzinski’s
what are the investigations done for meningitis (3) and it’s results for bacteria, tuberculous and viral meningitis
- CT
- CSF
- bacteria: high neutrophils, low glucose (lower in bacteria meningitis), high protein
- tuberculous and viral: high lymphocytes, low glucose, high protein - blood culture
treatment of meningitis (4)
- antibiotic/antiviral
- supportive measures
- rifampicin prophylaxis for meningococcal meningitis contacts
- vax for h.influenza B meningitis
what are the 3 complications of meningitis
- cranial nerve palsies
- hydrocephalus
- cortical atrophy
what is encephalitis
it is the inflammation of the parenchyma caused by viruses
what are the 4 clinical features of encephalitis
- behaviour and personality changes
- focal neuro signs (aphasia and hemiplegia)
- seizure
- drowsiness and coma
what are the investigations for encephalitis (3)
- CT
- CSF (high lymphocyte, normal glucose, high protein)
- EEG
what are the treatment for encephalitis (3)
- anticonvulsant
- antiviral
- mannitol/dexamethasone (for raised ICP)
what is brain abscess
it is the collection of pus (bacteria) in the parenchyma
what is the treatment for brain abscess
drainage/excision of the abscess with IV antibiotic therapy
what are the indications of LP
- diagnostic - meningitis and SAH
- therapeutic - to measure normal pressure hydrocephalus
what are the contraindications of LP (3)
- presence of SOL
- bleeding tendency (plt <80 and INR >1.4)
- infection in the tissues near puncture site
what does elevated and low pressure ICP mean and what is the normal pressure
normal: 10-18mmHg
elevated: infection, hydrocephalus, BIH
low pressure: blockade, intracranial hypotension
