Meningitis Flashcards
What are the viral causes of meningitis?
HSV
Coxsackie
What are the common bacterial causes in neonates?
Group B strep
E coli
What are the most common bacterial causes in kids and adults?
Neisseria meningitidis
Strep pneumonia
What are the most common bacterial causes in >60 year olds?
Strep pneumoniae
Most common cause in immunosuppressed?
Listeria monocytogenes
What are the symptoms of meningism?
Headache Neck stiffness Photophobia Non blanching rash Kernig + sign Brudzinski + sign
What is kernig’s sign?
Inability to extend knee when hip is flexed due to hamstring tightness
What is brudzinski’s sign?
When neck is flexed by doctor the legs will also flex at hips and knees
What are the neurological symptoms of meningitis?
Reduced GCS
Focal signs
Seizure
CN palsies
What sign can be seen in young children?
Bulging fontanelle
Blood tests?
FBC
WCC
Culture
Clotting
Other tests?
LP unless contraindicated
What should be assessed on LP?
Opening pressure
Glucose
Protein
Lactate
CELLS
What are the findings on LP if it is viral?
Normal glucose
High protein
Clear
Lymphocytes
What are the findings on LP if it is bacterial?
Low glucose
High protein
Turbid
Lactate
Neutrophils
