Meningitis

Question 1

Acute vs Chronic vs Recurrent Meningitis

Answer 1

Acute: Onset within hours to days, = 4 weeks duration
Recurrent: multiple acute episodes within

Question 2

Organisms that cause Acute Bacterial Meningitis

Answer 2

Strep Pneumo (Adults and young children)

Neisseria Menigitidis (Children, adolescents, Young adults)

Group B beta-hemolytic Strep (neonates)

Question 3

Mortality rates in different types of bacterial meningitis

Answer 3

Strep Pneumo: up to 30%

N. Menigitidis: 3%

Question 4

Portal of entry and Way of Spreading

Answer 4

Nasopharynx is the portal of entry.

Hematogenous is the most common way to spread.

Question 5

Clinical findings in bacterial meningitis

Answer 5

Fever, Stiff neck, abnormal state of consciousness

Nausea, anorexia, photophobia, lethargy (all symptoms of inflamed meninges)

Question 6

Special Clues

Answer 6

NM meningitis has petechiae.

SP meningitis can be associated with resp. Infections

Question 7

Treatment of Bacterial Meningitis

Answer 7

Start antibiotic treatment promptly
Use of Steroids
Supportive Care