Please enable JavaScript.
Coggle requires JavaScript to display documents.
Meningitis (Ix (blood culture (throat swabs for bacterial/viral cause,…
Meningitis
Ix
U&E (assess kidney function)
FBC
if decreased WBC immunocompromised
LFTs
blood culture
throat swabs for bacterial/viral cause
rectal swabs for viruses
serology (e.g. EBV, HIV)
LP
do CT first (unless no evidence of ^ICP and GCS15)
normal: pressure 5-20, normal appearance, 2.5-3.5, WCC <3 bacterial: pressure >30, turbid, low glucose, high WCC
viral: normal pressure, clear, normal glucose, high WCC
fungal/Tb: fibrin web, low/normal glucose, high WCC
CXR
if TB meningitis suspected
signs
Kernig's sign
Brudzinki's sign
sepsis
decreased BP, increased pulse and temp
papilloedema
increased ICP
Rx
start immediate Ab treatment
cefotaxime (broad spectrum antibiotic)
aciclovir if viral encephalitis suspected
seek microbiological advice once organism is isolated
prophylaxis
household contacts
rifampicin
symptoms
early
severe headache
leg pains
cold hands and feet
dusky skin tone
late
neck stiffness
photophobia
pyrexia
LOC
petechial (non-blanching) rash
meningococcal septicaemia
serious infection of the meninges