The nervous system - Inflammatory & infectious diseases - ch 12 Flashcards
Name 3 inflammatory & infectious diseases of the nervous system?
- encephalitis
- meningitis
- poliomyelitis
Definition of encephalitis?
Inflammation of the brain secondary to another infection (usually viral) such as influenza, measles or herpes virus. It is more common in the very young or old. It results in cerebral oedema and intracerebral haemorrhage.
Name the 5 characterisations of encephalitis?
- fever
- headache
- photophobia
- vomiting
- disorientation
Name 3 ways to diagnose encephalitis?
- CT scan of the head
- brain MRI
- lumbar puncture to withdraw cerebrospinal fluid for examination
Name 3 treatments for encephalitis?
- antiviral medication
- antiseizure medication
- rest and fluids
Definition of meningitis?
Inflammation in the meninges. Most cases are due to a bacterial or viral infection.
Name 8 characterisations of meningitis?
- sudden onset
- severe headache
- neck stiffness
- irritability
- fever
- nausea
- vomiting
- delirium
Name a particular type of meningitis that is characterised by a rapidly spreading rash?
meningococcal meningitis
Is menengitis life threatening?
Yes
True / False: meningitis is classified as a medical emergency?
True
What procedure is performed to diagnose meningitis?
lumbar puncture
How is meningitis treated?
specific antibiotics
Definition of poliomyelitis?
an acute viral infection of the grey matter of the brain/spinal cord, often resulting in spinal or muscle deformity and paralysis.
True/False: In most countries the incidence of poliomyelitis has decreased due to immunisation
True
True/False: poliomyelitis is NOT endemic in a few highly populated and developing countries?
False
