LGS Flashcards
(82 cards)
What is encephalitis?
Acute inflammation within the brain
Most common cause is viral infections.
What are the signs and symptoms of encephalitis?
Headache, Acute Fever, AMS, Confusion, Seizures, Motor Weakness
Complications include coma and death.
What is meningitis?
Inflammation of the meninges
Classic triad includes sudden fever, neck stiffness, and AMS.
What is the classic triad of meningitis?
Sudden Fever, Neck Stiffness, AMS
Additional symptoms include headache, nausea, vomiting, muscle soreness, photophobia, and seizures.
What is myelitis?
Inflammation of the spinal cord.
In cases of altered mental status, what conditions should be considered?
Encephalitis or meningoencephalitis, usually arising from viral infections.
What are the causative organisms of encephalitis?
- Arboviruses
- HSV-1
- HHVs
- Measles
- Etc.
What are the causative organisms of meningitis?
- S Pneumo
- GBS
- N Meningitidis
- H Influenzae
- Listeria
- E Coli
- Etc.
Capsules help bacteria cross BBB
What are risk factors for developing meningitis?
- High population living areas
What are risk factors for developing encephalitis?
- Exposure to viruses such as HSV and Measles
- Unvaccinated individuals
- Mosquitos
- Immunodeficiency
- Pregnancy
When is a lumbar puncture indicated?
If there is a possibility of meningitis
Empiric antibiotics should be given immediately.
What is the recommended antibiotic treatment for a patient over 50 with suspected meningitis?
- Third Gen. Cephalosporin
+ Ampicillin
+ Vancomycin
Ampicillin covers Listeria, Vanc covers gram (+)
When should dexamethasone be administered?
Before or at the same time as initiating antibiotics
It helps decrease ICP, cerebral edema, and neuronal injury.
What are the indications for a CT before a lumbar puncture?
- Focal neurologic deficit
- AMS or deteriorating level of consciousness
- New onset seizure
- Papilledema
- Immunocompromised state
- Hx of focal CNS lesion
- Age > 60
What characterizes N. Meningitidis?
- Gram Neg. Diplococci
- Chemoprophylaxis recommended
- Rapid progression
- Grown on Thayer-Martin Media
What types of vaccines are available for N. Meningitidis?
- Serogroup B Meningococcal Vaccine
- Conjugate Vaccine for Serotypes A, C, W, and Y
What is supportive therapy for encephalitis and meningitis?
- Airway protection
- Seizure control
- Analgesics
- Antipyretics
What is Naegleria Flowleri associated with?
Primary amoebic meningoencephalitis
Opportunistic in HIV and immunocompromised patients.
What is Acanthamoeba associated with?
Keratitis and granulomatous amoebic encephalitis
Contaminated contact lens solutions.
What are prevention strategies for encephalitis and bacterial meningitis?
- Practice good hygiene
- Vaccinations
- Avoid sharing utensils
- Protect against mosquitoes and ticks
- Eliminate standing water
What is the treatment for GAE and PAM?
- Amphotericin B
- Azoles
- Antibiotics
- Miltefosine
What is the GCS of a patient with significant altered mental status?
A GCS of 7 or lower indicates coma.
What distinguishes meningitis from encephalitis?
Encephalitis presents with a significantly altered mental status.
What is the structure of California Encephalitis Virus?
Segmented, 3 circular segments, (-)ssRNA
Spread by Aedes mosquitoes.