Meningitis

Question 1

What is it

Answer 1

-inflammation of meninges (layer of CNS) caused by bacteria

Question 2

Meningococcal disease vs meningococcal septicaemia

Answer 2

MD= infection of meninges by meningococcal bacteria, is a cause of meningitis
MS= meningococcal bacteria moved from meninges to bloodstream

Question 3

Pathways for death in meningococcal disease

Answer 3

1. septicaemia -> death from cardiovascular failure
2. meningitis -> death from NS failure

Question 4

Meningitis specific symptoms

Answer 4

-severe headache
-stiff neck
-dislike bright lights
-haemorrhagic, non blanching rash (only 40%, very late sign)
(help to differentiate between sepsis and meningitis)

Question 5

Signs of meningitis

Answer 5

Kernig sign
-lie flat on floor
-knee flexed to 90 degrees
-hip flexed 90 degrees
-extension of knee is painful or limited in extension
Brudzinski sign
-lie on floor
-bring head forward
-reflex action causing hip and knee flexion