Ready to Tackle Meningitis? Here’s a quick way to remember Meningitis.
MENINGITIS
WHAT IT IS:
Inflammation of the meninges caused by infection of CSF
Acute (less than 24 hrs)
Subacute (1 to 7 days)
Chronic (more than 7 days)
CAUSES:
Acute: bacterial infection
Subacute/Chronic: pathogenic OR bacterial
RISKS:
Lifestyle factors: crowded living conditions (college dorms), sharing items
SYMPTOMS
Bacterial Meningitis: Fever, impaired consciousness, nuchal rigidity, focal neurological deficits, photophobia, seizure, severe headache, vomiting
Meningococcal Meningitis: petechiae and purpura
DIAGNOSIS:
Lumbar Puncture shows cloudy CSF fluid (because of HIGH WBC, protein & bacteria). CSF pressure >80-180 mm H2).
Glucose level
Brain CT/MRI
CXR
Blood work: electrolytes, liver and renal panels, coagulation profiles
TREATMENT:
ED Treatment: support ABC
Antibiotics (bacterial infection), anticonvulsants (for seizures), antipyretics (for fever)
Fluids, electrolytes, medications to manage blood pressure, pain
Cooling blankets/Ventilator support
Hemodialysis for acute renal failure
URGENT Precautions
Droplet precautions
VIDEO
Sometimes a short video helps understand topics better!
