Meningitis Flashcards
1
Q
Presentation in neonates
A
Drowsiness Fever Irritability Crying Poor feeding Vomiting Non blanching rash Bulging anterior fontanelle in <1.5yrs NO NECK STIFFNESS
2
Q
Presentation in older children
A
Headache Fever Irritability Drowsiness Neck stiffness N+V Poor appetite Non blanching rash Photophobia Kurnicks signs (flex hip to 90^ and attempt to extend knees - positive if stiff hamstrings)
3
Q
How do you diagnose meningitis
A
LP
4
Q
Contraindications for LP
A
Raised ICP unless younger than 1 as cranium isn’t a rigid structure
5
Q
LP abnormalities in bacterial meningitis
A
WCC>20
High protein
Low glucose
6
Q
Treatment of viral meningitis
A
Supportive
Unless herpes:
Give aciclovir
7
Q
Treatment of bacterial meningitis
A
Steroids first to reduce inflammation
Antibiotics
8
Q
Length of antibiotic course for bacterial meningitis
A
5-7 days
Unless neonate:
Gram positive - 2 weeks
Gram negative - 3 weeks
9
Q
Complications of meningitis
A
Deafness - hearing test within 4 weeks Subdural empyema Abscess Seizures Sepsis
