CNS Infections Flashcards
Classic meningitis triad
Fever
Headache
Neck stiffness
(photophobia …?)
What is encephalomyelitis
Inflammation of the brain and the spinal cord
Diagnosis of viral meningitis
Viral stool culture
Throat swab
CSF PCR
Treatment for herpes simplex encephalitis
Aciclovir (IV high dose !!)
How quickly do you need to diagnose herpes simplex encephalitis?
RAPIDLY within 6 hours !!
Diagnosis of encephalitis:
Lumbar puncture
EEG
MRI
If delay, start pre-emptive treatment with aciclovir!!!!! prevents death
Bacteria most likely to cause meningitis in children?
H. influenza
Bacteria most likely to cause meningitis in ppl aged 10-21
Meningococcal
above 21 = pneumococcal
Listeria, group B strep and E. coli are most likely to cause meningitis in which age group?
Neonates
Bacteria most likely to cause meningitis in immunocompromised?
LISTERIA !!!
Satphylococcus / gram negative rods most likely to cause meningitis in which group of people?
Ppl who have had neurosurgery / open head trauma
WHAT ORGANISM CAUSES MENINGITIS IN PEOPLE WITH CRIBRIFORM FRACTURE ?!
Pneumococcal
Organism causing meningitis in patient with CSF shunt?
Staph epidermidis
Which bacteria causes meningococcal meningitis?
Neisseria meningitidis
-this occurs most often in young children
Where is neisseria meningitidis found?
Throats of healthy carriers
-H. influenza also found in the throat
Step. pneumonia is found in the nose !!!