Neuro Infectious Diseases

Question 1

definition of meningitis

Answer 1

acute inflammation of the meningeal tissues of the brain and spinal cord

Question 2

etiology of meningitis

Answer 2

infection (lungs or bloodstream) or penetrating wounds

Question 3

bacteria that causes meningitis

Answer 3

streptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria meningitidis

Question 4

where does meningitis occur in the brain?

Answer 4

in the pia mater, subarachnoid space, and CSF

Question 5

when does meningitis occur?

Answer 5

Fall/Winter; when people spend a lot of time indoors

Question 6

what does meningitis usually follow?

Answer 6

otitis or sinusitis

Question 7

how is meningitis passed?

Answer 7

through droplets

Question 8

who gets meningitis?

Answer 8

–over 40
–college students
–prisoners

Question 9

how does meningitis work in the body?

Answer 9

it travels through the blood, crosses the BBB, and infects the meninges

Question 10

patho of meningitis

Answer 10

–infection of arachnoid mater and CSF
–inflammatory response and pus secretion
–increase in CSF production
–increase in ICP

Question 11

classic triad of meningitis

Answer 11

–fever
–headache
–stiff neck

Question 12

other symptoms of meningitis

Answer 12

–N/V
–photophobia
–AMS (drowsines–>coma, seizures)
–skin rash and petechiae (caused by meningococcus)
–positive Kernig sign
–positive Brudzinski sign

Question 13

positive Kernig sign

Answer 13

resistance to vertical leg extension with other leg lying flat on the bed (making an L shape)

Question 14

positive Brudzinski sign

Answer 14

neck flexion causes hip/knee flexion; moving chin to chest causes patient to bend legs at the knees

Question 15

acute bacterial meningitis

Answer 15

–most common form
–high fatality rate (can progress in hours without quick treatment)
–long term effects (seizures, hearing loss, loss of limbs)

Question 16

acute viral meningitis

Answer 16

–milder form
–no long term effects

Question 17

treatment for bacterial meningitis

Answer 17

–aggressive antibiotic therapy (IV, multiple drugs)
–steroid therapy

Question 18

prophylaxis for meningitis

Answer 18

vaccines

Question 19

examples of drugs used to treat meningitis

Answer 19

–ceftriaxone
–vancomycin
–acyclovir

Question 20

why is acyclovir used to treat meningitis?

Answer 20

used to prevent hepatic encephalopathy; usually d/c after CSF comes back clean for certain bacteria

Question 21

why is vanc used to treat meningitis?

Answer 21

to combat methicillin resistant strains

Question 22

definition of encephalitis

Answer 22

acute inflammation of the brain

Question 23

etiology of encephalitis

Answer 23

viral (West Nile, measles, chicken pox, mumps, HSV-1)

Question 24

symptoms of encephalitis

Answer 24

–signs appear on day 2 or 3 of infection
–range from mild changes in mental status to coma
–fever
–headache
–N/V
–CNS changes (seizures)
–personality changes
–epilepsy
–fatigue
–hormone problems
–cognitive problems

Question 25

pharm for viral encephalitis goals

Answer 25

–acyclovir (HSV)
–reduces mortality
–does not reduce neuro complications

Question 26

pharm for seizure disorder with encephalitis

Answer 26

antiseizure medication (Keppra); due to increased ICP

Question 27

definition of brain abscess

Answer 27

accumulation of pus within the brain tissue

Question 28

etiology of brain abscess

Answer 28

–local or systemic infection
–most commonly from ear, tooth, mastoid, or sinus infection

Question 29

major culprits causing brain abscesses

Answer 29

streptococci or staphylococcus aureus

Question 30

symptoms of brain abscesses

Answer 30

–headache
–fever
–N/V
–signs of increased ICP (drowsiness, confusion, seizures)
–focal symptoms may reflect area of abscess (temporal lobe = visual field defects)