Exam 3 - Neurology Emergencies Flashcards
What is the most likely pathogen for bacterial meningitis exposure during delivery?
E. Coli, Group B strep
What is the most likely pathogen for bacterial meningitis from the nasopharynx?
S. pneumoniae
What is the most likely pathogen causing bacterial meningitis from crowded conditions?
N. meningitides
What is the most likely pathogen causing bacterial meningitis from post-neurosurgical procedures?
Staph, gram (-)
What organism is most likely to infect elderly and neonates with bacterial meningitis?
L. monocytogenes, gram (-) bacilli
What organism is most likely to unvaccinated individuals with bacterial meningitis?
H. influenzae
What is the classic triad associated with bacterial meningitis?
- Fever
- Nuchal rigidity
- Altered mental status
***headache is also very common
What specialized tests may indicate bacterial meningitis?
- Kernig’s sign
- Brudzinski’s sign
- Jolt accentuation test
What is a hallmark finding of N. meningitides?
Meningococcal rash
What is the gold standard diagnostic test for bacterial meningitis?
CSF Culture
What will the CSF analysis look like in bacterial meningitis?
(WBC, glucose, protein, cells)
WBC: Elevated; > 1,000
Glucose: Decreased; < 40
Protein: Elevated; 200-500
Cells: Elevated; Neutrophils
When would you obtain a CT before LP in a patient with possible bacterial meningitis?
If patient has 1 or more of the following risk factors:
- Immunocompromised
- History of CNS disease
- New onset seizure
- Papilledema
- Abnormal level of consciousness
- Focal neuro deficit
What type of bacterial infection does a gram-positive diplococci suggests?
Pneumococcal (S. pneumo)
What type of bacterial infection does a gram-negative diplococci suggests?
Meningococcal (N. meningitides)
What type of bacterial infection does a gram-negative coccobacilli suggests?
H. influenzae infection
What type of bacterial infection does a gram-positive rods and coccobacilli suggest?
L. monocytogenes infection
What is the initial management in a patient with possible bacterial meningitis?
Initial dexamethasone + empiric IV antibiotics immediately after blood cultures and LP
Which bacteria does Dexamathasone have significant benefit in?
Pneumococcal meningitis
What is the treatment for a newborn with bacterial meningitis infected with group B strep, E. coli, or L. monocytogenes?
Ampicillin + cefotaxime or gentamycin
What is the treatment for a 1 month to 50 year old with bacterial meningitis infected with S. pneumoniae, N. meningitides, H. influenza, or E. coli?
Vancomycin + ceftriaxone or cefotaxime + Dexamethasone (Dexamethasone only for S. pneumo)
What is the treatment for > 50 year old with bacterial meningitis infected with S. pneumoniae, N. meningitides, L. monocytogenes, gram neg bacilli?
Ampicillin + Vancomycin + ceftriaxone or cefotaxime + Dexamethasone
What is the treatment for immunocompromised with bacterial meningitis infected with S. pneumoniae, N. meningitides, L. monocytogenes, gram neg bacilli?
Ampicillin + Vancomycin + ceftriaxone or cefotaxime + Dexamethasone
What should be prescribed for post-exposure prophylaxis of N. meningitides?
- Cipro 500 mg PO x 1
- Rifampin 600 mg Q12 hours x 2 days
- Ceftriaxone (pregnant clinician or family member) 250 mg IM x 1
What is aseptic meningitis?
Clinical evidence of meningeal inflammation but bacterial cultures are negative
What is the most common viral cause of aseptic meningitis?
Enterovirus
What are some historical clues of aspectic meningitis?
- Travel and exposure history (ticks, TB)
- Sexual activity (HSV-2, syphilis, HIV)