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Questions and Answers
What condition may result from broken tight junctions in the retina?
What condition may result from broken tight junctions in the retina?
What is a common route by which organisms can enter cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
What is a common route by which organisms can enter cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom associated with meningitis?
Which of the following is NOT a symptom associated with meningitis?
Which sign indicates a high suspicion of meningitis?
Which sign indicates a high suspicion of meningitis?
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What finding in CSF is suggestive of meningitis?
What finding in CSF is suggestive of meningitis?
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Which clinical manifestation is most closely associated with increased intracranial pressure?
Which clinical manifestation is most closely associated with increased intracranial pressure?
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What is an important method for diagnosing potential meningitis?
What is an important method for diagnosing potential meningitis?
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What immediate action is recommended if signs of meningitis are present?
What immediate action is recommended if signs of meningitis are present?
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What condition should be ruled out if decreased glucose levels are found in the CSF?
What condition should be ruled out if decreased glucose levels are found in the CSF?
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Which of the following may lead to a poor prognosis for a patient with suspected meningitis?
Which of the following may lead to a poor prognosis for a patient with suspected meningitis?
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Which bacteria is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis?
Which bacteria is the most common cause of bacterial meningitis?
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What role does the spleen play in preventing infections related to meningitis?
What role does the spleen play in preventing infections related to meningitis?
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What is a key complication associated with cirrhosis in patients with alcohol use disorder?
What is a key complication associated with cirrhosis in patients with alcohol use disorder?
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What can be a consequence of using a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt?
What can be a consequence of using a ventriculoperitoneal (VP) shunt?
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Which virus is NOT commonly associated with viral meningitis?
Which virus is NOT commonly associated with viral meningitis?
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What symptom is commonly associated with Acanthamoeba keratitis?
What symptom is commonly associated with Acanthamoeba keratitis?
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What is the impact of IV drug use on the risk of acquiring infections?
What is the impact of IV drug use on the risk of acquiring infections?
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What is a common method through which leptospirosis enters the body?
What is a common method through which leptospirosis enters the body?
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What type of infection can Cryptococcus neoformans cause?
What type of infection can Cryptococcus neoformans cause?
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What condition increases the risk of thrombosis in the meninges?
What condition increases the risk of thrombosis in the meninges?
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What diagnostic test is indicated for suspected viral meningitis?
What diagnostic test is indicated for suspected viral meningitis?
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Which of the following best differentiates encephalitis from meningitis?
Which of the following best differentiates encephalitis from meningitis?
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In patients older than 50 years, which antibiotic combination is recommended for bacterial meningitis treatment?
In patients older than 50 years, which antibiotic combination is recommended for bacterial meningitis treatment?
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Which imaging modality is best for detecting focal brain lesions?
Which imaging modality is best for detecting focal brain lesions?
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What is a primary treatment for non-bacterial meningitis caused by fungal infection?
What is a primary treatment for non-bacterial meningitis caused by fungal infection?
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What sign is commonly associated with increased intracranial pressure in meningitis?
What sign is commonly associated with increased intracranial pressure in meningitis?
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What is the most common cause of encephalitis?
What is the most common cause of encephalitis?
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What change is observed in the CSF when using a contrast agent for imaging?
What change is observed in the CSF when using a contrast agent for imaging?
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Which condition presents with nausea and vomiting as common symptoms?
Which condition presents with nausea and vomiting as common symptoms?
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What type of virus is the leading cause of encephalitis?
What type of virus is the leading cause of encephalitis?
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What are the three major signs indicative of meningitis?
What are the three major signs indicative of meningitis?
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Which of the following is NOT a common risk factor for developing meningitis?
Which of the following is NOT a common risk factor for developing meningitis?
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What is the most common cause of meningitis?
What is the most common cause of meningitis?
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What condition must be ruled out before performing a lumbar puncture?
What condition must be ruled out before performing a lumbar puncture?
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Which of the following signifies a potential sign of increased intracranial pressure?
Which of the following signifies a potential sign of increased intracranial pressure?
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What role does vaccination play in the risk of meningitis?
What role does vaccination play in the risk of meningitis?
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Which of the following age groups is at the highest risk for meningitis?
Which of the following age groups is at the highest risk for meningitis?
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Why are immunosuppressed individuals at higher risk for meningitis?
Why are immunosuppressed individuals at higher risk for meningitis?
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What is the definition of meningitis?
What is the definition of meningitis?
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What type of living conditions can increase the risk of meningitis?
What type of living conditions can increase the risk of meningitis?
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Study Notes
Meningitis Overview
- Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges (protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
- Millions of cases happen worldwide despite vaccinations, diagnoses, and treatments
- Three main symptoms: stiff neck, severe headache, and fever. Increased intracranial pressure can cause projectile vomiting and delirium.
- Life-threatening
- Risk of death in patients who acquire meningitis.
- Common causes: bacteria (most common), viruses, fungi, and parasites. Less common causes include autoimmune disorders triggered by corticosteroid use
Risk Factors
- Chronic medical conditions (kidney failure, diabetes, adrenal insufficiency, cystic fibrosis)
- Extremes of age (young children and those over 65)
- Immunocompromised individuals
- Undervaccinated people, especially children
- Individuals who do not receive recommended vaccinations.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is done for those not vaccinated.
- Those with immunosuppressive conditions (e.g., AIDS, organ transplant recipients) have the highest risk
- Living in crowded conditions (military barracks, college dorms), and travel to endemic areas
Bacterial Meningitis
- Streptococcus pneumoniae (50-60%)
- Group B Streptococcus
- Neisseria meningitidis (14-37%)
- Hemophilus influenzae (3-4%)
- Listeria monocytogenes (4-11%)
Viral Meningitis
- Enteroviruses (85%)
- Herpes viruses
- Other viruses (e.g., mumps, measles, HIV)
Fungal Meningitis
- Cryptococcus neoformans
- Coccidioides
- Aspergillus
- Candida
- Mucormycosis (associated with prolonged corticosteroid use, especially in diabetics/transplant recipients)
Parasitic Meningitis
- Naegleria fowleri
- Acanthamoeba species (often linked to freshwater exposure)
Pathophysiology
- Bacteria gain entry to the nasopharynx and bloodstream, cross the blood-brain barrier, and trigger inflammation and immune response. They may spread directly to the meninges.
- Inflammation spreads through the cerebrospinal fluid.
- Can be caused by medical devices/surgical procedures, otitis media/sinuses.
- Direct spread or spread by neighboring structures that have infection.
- Viruses and bacteria can spread via the blood or by traveling through nerves.
Symptoms
- Fever
- Neck pain/stiffness
- Headache
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Dizziness
- Confusion /delirium
- Nausea and vomiting
- Irritability
- Altered mental state
- Seizures
- Neurologic deficits.
Diagnosis
- CSF (cerebrospinal fluid) analysis is crucial
- Appearance (Turbid/Clear), pressure, WBC count, protein, glucose
Treatment
- Antibiotics (bacterial meningitis)
- Antivirals (viral meningitis)
- Antifungals (fungal meningitis)
Complications
- Brain damage
- Death
Meningitis vs. Encephalitis
- Meningitis involves the meninges (membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord)
- Encephalitis directly involves inflammation of the brain tissue itself
- Meningitis often has more prominent meningeal symptoms (like stiff neck)
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Description
This quiz provides an overview of meningitis, including its causes, symptoms, and risk factors. Learn about the importance of vaccinations and the potential complications associated with this life-threatening condition. Test your knowledge on the key aspects of meningitis and its impact on various populations.
