Meningitis - Review Sheet Flashcards
what is meningitis
meninges of the brain and SC become inflamed
what cause cardinal signs of headache
stretch or pressure on the meninges
incidence of bacterial meningitis
highest among children younger than 1
extremely high rates are found in native americans, alaskan natives
suggests genetic factors play a role
what does a CSF leak result from
congenital anomaly or following a basilar skull fx increases risk
esp that caused by streptococcus pneumoniae
RFs
second period of increases susceptibility during late adolescence
in adulthood –> associated with conditions that affects the defense mechanisms
individuals with compromised immune fxn related to other conditions such as HIV remain at high risk
clinical manifestations
headache, vomiting, meningeal signs, focal deficits, vision loss, cranial nerve palsies, increased ICP
adults with acute bacterial meningitis present with
fever
neck stiffness
altered mental status
advance dz can present with
opisthotonos
focal neurological deficits
szs
reduced level of consciousness
kernigs sign
pain in the lumbar area and posterior aspect of the thigh
pain shown with
combined hip flexion and knee extension
what will flexion of the neck produce
flexion of the hips and knees
Brudzinki’s sign
as inflammation progresses
if infection remains untreated
brainstem centers may be affected
szs, coma, vomiting, papilledema, CN palsies, deafness
dx
lumbar puncture**
blood testing
CT scan
treatment
antiviral/antibiotic meds
what should treatment be based on
the extent and location of the CNS damage resulting from the infection
