Flashcards in 1.37 Meningitis Casse Deck (11):
1
What are the initial symptoms of meningitis?
Malaise, myalgia, pyrexia, fluish, headache, nausea, photophobia and rash
2
What are the causes of a headache?
Primary - tension type due to high BP, and dehydration; Migraine
Secondary - non infectious - sub arachnoid heamorrhage
Non CNS - flu, colds etc.
3
What kind of headache is presented with meningitis?
All over, neck stiffness, increased with any movement
4
What types of meningitis are there?
Bacterial, Fingal, Viral and Opportunistic
5
What is Kerning's sign?
Positive - an indication usually present in meningitis that consists of pain and resistance on attempting to extend the leg at the knee with the thigh flexed at the hip - stretches the meninges
6
what does a meningococcal septicaemia lead to?
immune respone to the liposaccharides of the bacteria
release TNF-alpha and IL-1
toxic mediators released
leaky capillaries
low BP
and neutrophil release which release NO
7
How does a meningococcal infection affect blood clotting?
release TNF-alpha and IL1
tissue factors, activates thrombin
activates thrombodulin
inactivates protein c
increases clotting and reduce inhibition of clotting
8
What is the treatment for meningitis?
Antibiotics, circulatory support
9
Why is a CT necessary before lumbar puncture?
To prevent the possibility of a herniation in the brain
10
What are the contraindications of Lumbar Puncture?
no imaging: Seizures, GCS, Brainstem compression, ocular palsies and pupillary dilation, raised pressure,
imaging:low anticoagulation, purpuric rash, uncontrolled hypertension
11