CNS Infections Flashcards
(51 cards)
untreated CNS infection can cause
brain herniation
cord compression and necrosis
paralysis
when the brain parenchyma is inflamed it is called…
encephalitis
viral meningitis is an example of __ meningitis
aseptic
a brain abscess means there is…
acute, focal pus-forming area of the brain that is infected
a brain abscess will present with what kinds of symptoms
focal, stroke-like symptoms
meningitis from pus forming cells is called…
pyogenic meningitis
what does pyogenic meningitis look like microscopically?
neutrophils in SA space
where is the pus in pyogenic meningitis?
layer over the leptomeninges on the surface of the brain
main bacterial causes of meningitis
pneumococcus
meningococcus
listeria rarely
who could get listeria meningitis?
> 60s
immunosuppressed people
Tx of CABM (community acquired)
ceftriaxone iV + dexamethasone IV
gram +ve diplococci in a suspected meningitis patient…
strep pneumoniae
gram +ve bacillus in an old person with suspected meningitis…
listeria monocytogenes
what viruses are the main cause of viral meningitis?
enteroviruses
Hx questions for viral meningitis
recent travel
onset of symptoms (late summer/autumn)
Ix for viral meningitis
stool culture
throat swab
CSF PCR
Tx for viral meningitis
supportive
main symptom difference between encephalitis and meningitis?
in encephalitis you get very confused as you have cerebral cortex disturbance
insidious onset of symptoms, stupor, coma, severe confusion and partial paralysis…..
encephalitis
Ix for encephalitis
lumbar puncture
EEG
MRI
what virus is the most likely cause in a patient with encephalitis?
herpes simplex
Tx of viral encephalitis
ACICLOVIR IV
Hx q’s for suspected enceph?
recent flu-like illness new seizures altered behaviour/cognition? rash? family ill? travel? immunocompromised?
main symptoms of CABM
headache
fever
neck stiffness
mental state change
