CNS infections Flashcards
What is the difference between meningitis and encephalitis?
meningitis - infection of the meninges
encephalitis - infection of the brain itself
Bacterial meningitis - what is it also known as
Pyogenic meningitis
Bacterial meningitis - where is the inflammation
Inflammation of the leptomeninges and CSF within the subarachnoid space
Bacterial meningitis. Thick layer of suppurative exudate covers the surface of the brain. True or false?
True
- think of injecting pus into the CSF and the pus gets everywhere and gets matted
Bacterial meningitis - patient with CNS devices (e.g. cochlear implants) - what is the likely causative organism?
Strep pneumoniae (pneumococcal meningitis)
Where is strep pneumoniae commonly found?
Nasopharynx
Bacterial meningitis - patient with CSF skull fracture - what is the likely causative organism?
Strep pneumoniae
Bacterial meningitis - what is the likely causative organism in adolescents?
Neisseria meningitidies (meningococcal meningitis)
Neisseria meningitides is intracellular/extracellular?
Intracellular
Neisseria meningitides likely gains access to the meninges through _______
The bloodstream
Bacterial meningitis - in the past what was the likely causative organism in childhood but incidence has decreased now due to introduction of vaccine?
Haemophilus influenzae
Bacterial meningitis - extremes of age (over 60 and neonates) - what is the likely causative organism?
Listeria monocytogenes
Bacterial meningitis - immunocompromised patients - what is the likely causative organism?
Listeria monocytogenes
Bacterial meningitis - E coli affects
Neonates
Bacterial meningitis - H influenzae affects
Infants and children
Bacterial meningitis - neisseria meningitides affects
Young adults
Bacterial meningitis - listeria monocytogenes affects
Elderly
and neonates
Bacterial meningitis - strep pneumoniae affects
Over 21 year olds (roughly)
Bacterial meningitis - from head trauma/neurosurgery - what is the likely causative organism (2)
Staph aureus
Staph epidermidis
Bacterial meningitis - microscopically, there will be an abundance of _____ in the subarachnoid space?
Polymorphs (neutrophils)
Bacterial meningitis - clinical features
Crescendo headache Fever Change in mental state Neck stiffness N+V Photophobia Confusion Slowness in responding to questions Non blanching ash
Bacterial meningitis - what are the 5 warning features
Marked decline in conscious level Focal neurology Seizure before or at presentation Bradycardia + hypertension Papilloedema