Diagnostics
This diagnostic test is considered the gold standard for identifying the causative organism in bacterial meningitis.
Empiric antibiotic coverage for bacterial meningitis in adults typically includes a third-generation cephalosporin and this antibiotic to cover Listeria monocytogenes.
What is ampicillin?
This encapsulated Gram-positive coccus is a common cause of bacterial meningitis in adults and is often associated with otitis media or pneumonia.
What is Streptococcus pneumoniae?
Living in close quarters, such as dormitories or military barracks, is a significant risk factor for contracting meningitis caused by this bacterium.
What is Neisseria meningitidis?
The classic triad of symptoms for meningitis includes fever, headache, and this stiff neck sign.
What is nuchal rigidity?
This is the most common cause of aseptic meningitis.
What are enteroviruses?
In viral encephalitis, this imaging modality is often performed to look for characteristic findings like temporal lobe involvement.
What is MRI of the brain?
For suspected Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) encephalitis, this antiviral medication should be initiated empirically and promptly.
What is acyclovir?
This sexually transmitted virus is a common cause of aseptic meningitis, often with recurrent episodes.
What is HSV-2?
Extremes of age (very young infants and the elderly) are particularly susceptible to this type of bacterial meningitis.
What is Listeria monocytogenes?
In addition to fever and headache, altered mental status, seizures, and focal neurological deficits are characteristic findings of this condition.
What is encephalitis?
This condition refers to inflammation of the brain parenchyma, while meningitis refers to inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
What is encephalitis?
Elevated opening pressure, low glucose, high protein, and a predominant neutrophilic pleocytosis on CSF analysis are highly suggestive of this type of meningitis.
What is bacterial meningitis?
This corticosteroid is often given prior to or with the first dose of antibiotics in bacterial meningitis to reduce inflammation and improve neurological outcomes, especially in Streptococcus pneumoniae infections.
What is dexamethasone?
This small, pleomorphic Gram-negative coccobacillus is a common cause of meningitis in unvaccinated children and can lead to epidemics in crowded settings.
What is Neisseria meningitidis?
Recent neurosurgery, head trauma with CSF leak, or placement of an external ventricular drain significantly increases the risk of meningitis caused by these organisms, often Staphylococcus species.
What are nosocomial infections?
This purpuric, non-blanching rash is a hallmark finding, particularly in meningococcal meningitis, and indicates disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC).
What is a petechial or purpuric rash?
This vaccine is recommended for adolescents and young adults to prevent a common cause of bacterial meningitis.
What is the meningococcal vaccine?
Beyond routine CSF analysis, this molecular diagnostic technique can rapidly detect viral DNA or RNA in the CSF.
What is PCR?
A patient with cryptococcal meningitis should be treated with amphotericin B and this antifungal agent for induction therapy.
What is flucytosine?
Found in soil and bird droppings, this encapsulated yeast is a common cause of fungal meningitis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals.
What is Cryptococcus neoformans?
Travel to endemic areas, particularly for unpasteurized dairy products, is a significant risk factor for this foodborne bacterial meningitis.
What is Listeria monocytogenes?
Positive Brudzinski's and Kernig's signs are physical exam findings indicative of irritation of these structures.
What are the meninges?
While rare, this protozoan, found in warm freshwater, can cause a rapidly fatal primary amoebic meningoencephalitis.
What is Naegleria fowleri?
A patient presenting with suspected meningitis has contraindications to an immediate lumbar puncture. This diagnostic step should precede the LP once it is deemed safe.
What is a head CT?
Beyond antimicrobials, management of increased intracranial pressure in encephalitis or meningitis may involve head elevation, osmotic agents like mannitol, and in severe cases, this type of ventilation.
What is hyperventilation?
This acid-fast bacillus is a leading cause of chronic meningitis, particularly in immunocompromised individuals and in regions with high disease prevalence, often presenting with cranial nerve palsies and hydrocephalus.
What is Mycobacterium tuberculosis?
Immunosuppression due to HIV, organ transplantation, or corticosteroid use significantly increases the risk of meningitis caused by these two opportunistic pathogens, one fungal and one viral.
What are Cryptococcal neoformans and CMV?
A patient presenting with fever, altered mental status, and a history of recent travel to an area with high mosquito activity should raise suspicion for this type of encephalitis.
What is arboviral encephalitis (WNV, EEE)?
This syndrome, characterized by a triad of ophthalmoplegia, ataxia, and areflexia, can occur as a post-infectious complication of certain viral infections, sometimes mimicking encephalitis.
What is Miller-Fisher Syndrome (Variant of GBS)?