Meningitis Flashcards
1
Q
What is meningitis?
A
Inflammation of the meninges, the lining of the brain and the spinal cord
2
Q
What causes meningitis?
A
Bacterial: Neisseria meningitidis, Strep pneumoniae, H influenzae, Group B Strep/Listeria in neonates
Viral: Enterovirus e.g. Coxsackie, HSV, VZV
3
Q
What type of organism is Neisseria meningitidis?
A
A gram negative diplococcus bacteria
4
Q
How does meningitis present?
A
- Fever
- Neck stiffness
- Photophobia
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Seizures
5
Q
How is meningitis investigated?
A
- Blood cultures
- LP for CSF
Bacterial: Cloudy, high protein WCC, low glucose
Viral: Clear, normal protein, normal glucose, high WCC
6
Q
How is meningitis managed?
A
- Under 3 months - Cefotaxmine plus Amoxicillin
- 3 months+ - Ceftriaxone
- Aciclovir if viral suspected
- Bacterial meningitis/Men Sepsis is notifiable
- Ciprofloxacin for contacts
7
Q
What are complications of meningitis?
A
- Hearing loss
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Cognitive impairment and learning disability
- Memory loss
