Meningitis Flashcards
Define meningitis
the inflammation of the meninges. The meninges are the lining of the brain and spinal cord.
Common bacteria for bacterial meningitis in children
- Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (pneumococcus)
Common bacteria for bacterial meningitis in neonates
group B strep (GBS)
Neisseria meningitidis gram staining
gram-negative diplococcus
Common causative virus for viral meningitis
- HSV
- VZV
- Enterovirus
Meningitis Ix
- LP
- Blood cultures
- BT for meningococcal PCR
- CSF for viral PCR
suspected meningitis Mx in primary care
IM / IV benzylpenicillin
Special tests for meningitis
Kernig’s test
Brudzinski’s test
Positive Kernig’s sign
Knee Extension –> pain + cannot fully extend
Positive Brudzinski’s test
Neck flexion –> Knee flexion
Meningitis clinical presentations in children
- Fever
- Neck stiffness
- vomiting
- headache
- photobia
- non-blanching rash
Meningitis clinical presentations in neonates
- Hypotonia
- Poor feeding
- Lethargy
- Hypothermia
- Bulging fontanelle
- floppy
- Tachycardia
- Tachypnoea
Meningitis complications
- Hearing loss is a key complication
- Seizures and epilepsy
- Cognitive impairment and learning disability
- Memory loss
- Cerebral palsy with focal neurological deficits such as limb weakness or spasticity
- meningococcal septicaemia
LP indication in babies / children
Any children <1 year with a fever
contraindication for LP
Raised ICP
what can LP lead to in raised ICP
brain herniation
what is required to rule out a raised ICP before a LP is performed
CT head
Meningitis close contact Mx/Tx
PO Ciprofloxacin
