Meningitis

Question 1

What is Meningitis ?

Answer 1

• Inflammation of the meninges – This leads to increased pressure in the brain.
• Standard transmission occurs through respiratory droplets or saliva.
• High Fatality
• It is the leading cause of death in early childhood.

Question 2

Explain the UK vaccineation programme

Answer 2

• Meningitis B – Babies 8 weeks
• 6 –1 vaccine- Babies 8, 12, 16 weeks and one year.
• Pneumococcal vaccine – 12 weeks.
• Hib/Men c vaccine – 1 year
• Meningitis ACWY vaccine – young teenagers.

Question 3

What are the types of meningitis ?

Answer 3

Types of meningitis

• Aseptic meningitis – Caused by Viruses, Fungi and parasites. CSF clear.
• Septic Meningitis. Caused by Bacteria. CSF turbid. Lymphocyte counts are high! Pyogenic bacteria are high! Glucose is low because bacteria like to eat it

Question 4

What are the risk factors for meningitis ?

Answer 4

Risk factor
- Enabling access paths to CNS, e.g. shunts
- Dysfunction of selected organs, including cancer
- Exposure, eg crowding.
- Selected bacterial infections, eg endocarditis, pneumonia.
- Most Septicaemia is accompanied by meningitis.

Question 5

Symptoms of meningitis ?

Answer 5

Symptoms
TRIAD
- Fever/headache
- Neck stiffness
- Change in mental state.

Also, they can experience rash and sensitivity to bright light.

Non-blanching rash indicative of ……

Question 6

Diagnosis for meningitis ?

Answer 6

Diagnosis

• Lumbar Puncture
• Microbiology culture
• Biochemistry
• FBC
• Coagulation

Question 7

What is more dangerous, bacterial or viral meningitis?

Answer 7

Bacterial

Question 8

What is the most common bacterial cause of meningitis uk

Answer 8

Neisseria Meningitis

AKA Meningococcal meningitis

Question 9

What is the second most common bacterial infection in meningitis ?

Answer 9

Streptococcus Pneumoniae

Second most common. Most ACUTE! AKA pneumococcal meningitis.

Question 10

Treatment for bacterial meningitis ?

Answer 10

Neonates – 2 antibiotics for 14 days. Cefotaxime and amoxicillin. NO corticosteroids.

3 months + IV ceftriaxone + corticosteroids. + Corticosteroids for 10 days.

3 months + recent travel – Vancomycin + corticosteroids. 10 days.

Adults – IV penicillin + corticosteroids. 10 days.

Corticosteroids are good for reducing the pressure.

Postpartum – needs 14- 21 days treatment.

Question 11

Viral Causes of Meningitis ?

Answer 11

• Mumps – Most common cause before MMR vaccine
  -Enteroviruses – Most common of all viral meningitis

Question 12

Treatment for viral meningitis ?

Answer 12

• Analgesia
• Antipyretics
• Hydration
• Aciclovir
• Ganciclovir.

Question 13

Difference in symptoms between encephalitis and meningitis ?

Answer 13