Meningitis Flashcards
inflammation of the meninges in the brain and spinal cord
meningitis
what is the difference between meningitis/meningococcal meningitis vs meningococcemia/mengingococcal septicmia
meningitis/meningococcal meningitis: bacterial OR viral infection to the protective membranes covering the brain/SC (meninges)
meningococcemia/mengingococcal septicmia : BACTERIAL infection of the bloodsteam, damaging the walls of blood vessels which can cause blood poisoning/sepsis
what are the different types of causes for meningitis
bacteria, viruses, fungi, parasites, toxins
invades the meninges to the CNS or bloodstream to the cardiovascular system
bacterial –> which is why it is much more dangerous
what is the most common cause for meningitis and give types
virus
enterovirous (mumps, measles, epstein-barr, influenza
s/s in babies
fever, irritability, poor eating, sleepiness, trouble waking, lethargy, bulging fontanelle
s/s in kids/adults
fever, HA, stiff neck/nucal rigidity, photophobia, sleepiness, difficulty waking up, N/V, irritability, lethargy, altered mental status, abnormal reflexes
which type often presents with a rash
bacterial meningococcemia
who can get meningitis
anyone
what populations are most at risk and which are severely at risk for severe illness
- most at risk: < 5 y/o and people with weakened immune system
- severe illness: < 1 month old
what is the peak period of infection
jan-march
how to dx
blood tests, lumbar puncture (CSF test)
significant lab findings
abnormal CSF findings: turbidity (cloudy = infection), increased opening pressure, increased WBC, decreased glucose concentration, increased protein concentration
describe kernig’s sign
- pt is supine or seated
- bring pt to 90/90 and then extend the knee
(+) pain in L/s, neck or back of thigh with hip flexion and knee extension - due to stretching the meninges
describe brudzinksi’s test
neck flexion will cause hip and knee flexion - to avoid stretching meninges
