Infections of the nervous system Flashcards
List some common organisms that cause bacterial meningitis.
Meningococcus
Pneumococcus
Group B streptococci
Listeria monocytogenes
Mycobacterium tuberculosis
List some common organisms that cause viral meningitis.
Enterovirus
VZV
HIV
Mumps
Measles
Which fungus can cause meningitis in immunosuppressed patients?
Cryptococcus neoformans
Meningitis is most common in which age group?
0 - 12 months
The meningococcal belt (an area where meningitis is highly prevalent), runs along which continent?
Africa
How does a meningococcal infection begin - what does the bacteria do first?
Colonisation of the nasopharynx
Are seizures more common in meningitis or encephalitis?
Encephalitis
Which 4 criteria are considered when suspecting a diagnosis of meningitis?
Headache
Neck stiffness
Fever
GCS <14
What kind of white cell will be present in the CSF of bacterial meningitis?
Neutrophils
What kind of white cell will be present in the CSF of TB or viral meningitis?
Lymphocytes
CSF glucose levels of what value suggests TB or bacterial meningitis?
<50% of blood glucose levels
What is the antibiotic of choice to treat bacterial meningitis and for how long?
Which other drug is used in addition to antibiotics and for how long?
Ceftriaxone, for 1 week
+ dexamethasone for 4 days
What is the drug of choice to treat viral meningitis and for how long?
Aciclovir, for 3 weeks
What is the drug of choice to treat TB meningitis?
Rifampicin
What are the 2 main options for meningitis post-exposure prophylaxis?
Ciprofloxacin 500mg single dose
Rifampicin 600mg BD for 2 days
Which CN is affected in Ramsay-Hunt Syndrome?
Facial nerve (VII)
