Neurological Infections - Bacterial Meningitis Flashcards
How are neurological infections classified?
By anatomical location and the microbe causing it
What are the ways pathogens can enter into the cranium? (4)
Fractured skull
Along axon
Extension from contiguous infection (ear/nose)
BBB compromised
What is bacterial meningitis?
Infection & inflammation of the meninges
Is bacterial meningitis life threatening?
Yes
What is the etiology of bacterial meningitis?
Bacterium within cranium
Which bacterium cause bacterial meningitis? And what age groups do they affect?
Streptococcus pneumonia (affects adults) Haemophilius influenzae (kids 4-5) Neisseria meningitidis (youth)
What puts people at a predisposition for bacterial meningitis? (3)
Head trauma
Neuro surgery (sc or brain)
Congruent infection
What is the patho of bacterial meningitis?
Microbe proliferates and lysis occurs leading to compression due to taking up space
Inflammation occurs & purulent exudate forms on brain and SC leading to compression
Are just the meninges affected in bacterial meningitis?
No, the vasculature, ventricles and subarachnoid space is also impacted
What are manifestations of bacterial meningitis?
Systemic fever Headache Nausea and vomiting Neck pain (maybe back pain too) Nuchal rigidity Usually positive brudzinskis and kernigs sign
How is bacterial meningitis?
History and physical/neuro exam
C&S
CSF analysis
What is the treatment for bacterial meningitis?
Antibiotics and steroids
What do proteins in the CSF indicate?
BBB compromised
Autoimmunity
Inflammation
What is bacterial meningitis?
Infection & inflammation of the meninges
Is bacterial meningitis life threatening?
Yes
