Meningitis

Question 1

DEFINE

Meningitis:

Answer 1

acute inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known collectively as the meninges

Question 2

• Meningitis*
• Cause:*

Answer 2

causes: - bacteria – S. pneu, H. influenza, Listeria, meningococcal

• viruses – *enterovirus, HSV, MMR, varicella
• other microorganisms – fungus, TB*
• certain drugs – NSAIDs, TMP-SMX, Amoxicillin, Isoniazid

Question 3

Meningitis

Symptoms:

Diag:

Treatment:

Answer 3

• Sympt: fever, headache, and neck stiffness, confusion or altered consciousness, vomiting, and an inability to tolerate light or loud noises.
• -* *infections of ear and oral cavity–>higher chance of meningitis
• diag: CSF, blood tests (CRP, CBC)
• Tx: antibiotics (3rdgen cephalosporins: Cefotaxime, Ceftriaxone, Ceftazidime), acyclovir
• *if suspected, give antibiotics immediately (no need to wait for CSF culture result) to reduce risk of sepsis