MDT Meningitis Flashcards
What is the definition of Meningitis?
Inflammation of the coverings of the brain(meninges)
Meninges consist of:
dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater
Unlike the brain the meninges have _____.
nociceptors
Meningitis as a mortality rate of ____
25%
What are the Most common bacterial etiologies for Meningitis?
(1) Streptococcus pneumonia
(2) Neisseria meningitides
(3) Listeria monocytogenes
What are the common viral etiologies for Meningitis?
(1) Enterovirus
(2) Herpes simplex virus
(3) West Nile Virus
What is the Classic triad of acute bacterial meningitis?
(a) Fever
(b) Nuchal rigidity
(c) Change in mental status
Meningitis vs encephalitis
(a) Important distinguishing feature is degree of _____ disturbance
(b) In meningitis cerebral function usually ______
(c) Encephalitis brain function is more abnormal leading to altered mental status, motor and sensory deficits, altered behavior, speech or movement disorders, speech changes
a. brain function
b. remains normal
Test meningeal irritation
______ spontaneous flexion of hips during passive flexion of the neck
Brudzinski sign
Test meningeal irritation
- inability or reluctance to allow full extension of knee when hip is
flexed at 90 degrees
Kernig sign
What should be delayed if there are signs of increased intracranial pressure
Lumbar puncture
Meningitis has what mortality rate if left untreated?
Close to 100%
Empiric treatment for Meningitis includes
Ceftriaxone (rocephin) cephalosporins
or Vancomycin (not in AMAL)
Dexamethasone
acyclovir IV (if HSV is suspected)
What is the dose for Ceftriaxone
Dose: 2g IV Q12Hr
If patient has a ______ allergy consult the MO prior to administration due to
cephalosporin and penicillin cross reactivity.
penicillin allergy
