Meningitis

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

It is an inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord.
Can be viral or bacterial.
Bacterial is more severe - a medical emergency

Question 2

Features

Answer 2

Fever
Headache
Neck stiffness
Nausea and vomiting
Photophobia - sensitivity to light
Confusion, drowsiness
Seizures
Rash - bacterial

Question 3

Epidemiology

Answer 3

Occurs world wide
Bacterial- 1 to 3 cases per 100,000
Viral - more common but generally milder

Question 4

Age

Answer 4

Infants and young - high risk
Older adults - weakened immune system

Question 5

Risk

Answer 5

Age - weak immune system
Crowded living
Immunocompromised individuals
Head injury or neurosurgery
Not vaccinated

Question 6

Presentation

Answer 6

Bacterial- sudden fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, confusion, drowsiness

Viral - similar to bacterial but no altered mental state

May present with a rash

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

Refer - A&E
Bacterial - life threatening -
Hospital care - Antibiotic treatment