Infectious Disorders of the Neurological System Flashcards
Inflammation of the meninges
Bacteria (usually) within subarachnoid space causing inflammation
Meningitis
Which organism responsible for meningitis has the highest mortality?
S. pneumoniae
What are the most common pathogens in meningitis for ages Preterm to <1 month?
S. agalactiae (Group B strep) – 50%
E.coli (20%)
What are the most common pathogens in meningitis for 1 month old?
Group B strep
E. coli
Listeria
Strep P
What are the most common pathogens in meningitis for 1-2 month olds?
E. Coli
Strep P
Enterovirus
Hib
What are the most common pathogens in meningitis for ages 2 months – 6 years?
Strep P
Neisseria,
Enterovirus
Hib
Borrelia
What are the most common pathogens in meningitis for school aged/adolescents?
Strep P
Neisseria
Enterovirus
Borrelia
What are the most common pathogens in meningitis for college-aged?
N. gonorrhea
What are the most common pathogens in meningitis for adults?
S. pneumoniae
N. meningitidis
H. influenzae (rare now secondary to vaccine)
What are the most common pathogens in meningitis for adults >50 years old?
S. pneumoniae
What are the most common pathogens in aseptic meningitis?
Enteroviruses (Coxsackieviruses, Echovirus)
What are three signs/symptoms that you can see in meningitis?
Nuchal rigidity
Kerning’s
Brudzinski sign
What is the most helpful diagnostic tool to diagnose meningitis?
CSF
Where is a lumbar puncture performed?
Perform between the 3rd and 4th lumbar vertebrae
What are some sequelae of bacterial meningitis in pediatric patients?
Deafness/hearing loss (mild or total)
Cranial nerve palsies
Seizures
Increased ICP
Cerebral palsy/mental retardation
Speech problems
Focal neural loss
Hydrocephalus
Death
