Neurological Infections

Question 1

What is meningitis?

Answer 1

This describes inflammation of the leptomeninges (pia + arachnoid mater) that line the brain

– It is most commonly due to an infectious agent which leads to an increase in ICP and cerebral oedema

– If untreated, it can lead to hydrocephalus, hearing loss, fibrosis and death by herniation

Question 2

Meningitis causes

Answer 2

– Infants under 3 months –> 1st group B Streptococci, then E. Coli

– Children 3 months to age 60 –> 1st N. Meningitidis, then S. Pneumoniae

– >60 years –> 1st S. Pneumoniae, then N. Meningitidis

Question 3

Meningitis symptoms

Answer 3

– (Early) Classic triad of headache, fever + nuchal rigidity (inability to flex the neck)

– (Late) Altered mental status with low GCS + Photophobia + Seizures

– Non-blanching rash