(neuro) cerebral inflammation tutorial

Question 1

differentiate between encephalitis and meningitis

Answer 1

encephalitis = inflammation of the activue brain tissue (due to bacterial/viral infection tr autoimmune dysfunction)

meningitis = inflammation of the meninges due to infection

Question 2

what is an infection of the spinal cord known as?

Answer 2

myelitis

Question 3

what is the term used to describe a combined inflammatory infection of both the cerebral tissue and the spinal cord?

Answer 3

encephalomyelitis

Question 4

what causes meningitis commonly?

Answer 4

bacteria which initially cause an upper respiratory tract infection and then travel through the blood to the brain

meningococcal

pneumococcal = most dangerous
streptococcal = newborns affected most
haemophilius infuenzae B

Question 5

how is haemophilius influenzae B meningitis reduced?

Answer 5

reduced by HiB vaccination

was previously a leading cause in under 5s

Question 6

what are the classic symptoms of encephalitis?

Answer 6

fever, pyrexia, headache, confusion, mental state alteration, SEIZURES, focal weakness/disturbance (aphasia, behavioral change)

Question 7

what are the classic symptoms of meningitis?

Answer 7

sudden fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, RASH (not always), meningeal feature (nuchal rigidity, photophobia), mental state alteration

(approx 50% present w focal disturbances)

Question 8

what do both encephalitis and meningitis present with?

Answer 8

fever (leukocytosis)

mental state alteration

focal disturbances

Question 9

what does meningitis present with that encephalitis does not?

Answer 9

meningeal irritation
= nuchal rigidity
= photophobia

(encephalitis can also present w this)

Question 10

what does encephalitis present with that meningitis does not?

Answer 10

seizures

not common in meningitis

Question 11

what is the hallmark feature of encephalitis?

Answer 11

focal neurological distubances!

= aphasia, behavioural changes, visual disturbances, weakness

Question 12

what is the scientific term used to describe a stiff neck?

Answer 12

nuchal rigidity

Question 13

which investigations are commonly done for meningitis and encephalitis?

Answer 13

FBC
urinalysis
blood culture & sensitivities (?)

CT
MRI

!! lumbar puncture
!! neuro exam

Question 14

what results will be seen in a lumbar puncture positive for bacterial meningitis?

Answer 14

• low glucose level
• increased white blood cell count
• increased protein

Question 15

what treatment options are commonly used for meningitis and encephalitis?

Answer 15

encephalitis = antivirals, antibiotics, antifungals, anticonvulsants, steroids, analgesics, and ventilation (!!)

meningitis = antibiotics, antivirals and corticosteroids

Question 16

where is a lumbar puncture done?

Answer 16

obtains CSF from subarachnoid space of the spine

Question 17

what are some long-term effects of meningitis?

Answer 17

long term learning disabilities

memory and concentration problems

paralysis/spasms/weakness

hearing loss

speech disturbances

visual problems

balance and coordination problems

Question 18

why are corticosteroids given in encephalitis and meningitis?

Answer 18

to reduce inflammation