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# Clinical Manifestations (Slide 12 of 36) - Photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light) is common. - Rash (*N. meningitidis*): ranges from petechial rash with purpuric lesions to large areas of ecchymosis. - Disorientation and memory impairment - Behavioral manifestations As the illness progresses:...

# Clinical Manifestations (Slide 12 of 36) - Photophobia (extreme sensitivity to light) is common. - Rash (*N. meningitidis*): ranges from petechial rash with purpuric lesions to large areas of ecchymosis. - Disorientation and memory impairment - Behavioral manifestations As the illness progresses: - Lethargy, unresponsiveness, and coma may develop. - Seizures - the result of areas of irritability in the brain; - ICP increases secondary to diffuse brain swelling or hydrocephalus; - Initial signs of increased ICP include decreased level of consciousness and focal motor deficits. # Severe Cases - An acute fulminant infection occurs in about 10% of patients with meningococcal meningitis, producing signs of septicemia: - An abrupt onset of high fever, - Extensive purpuric lesions (over the face and extremities), - Shock, and signs of disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC); death may occur within a few hours after onset of the infection. # Complications - Hearing loss - Memory difficulty - Learning disabilities - Brain damage - Gait problems - Seizures - Kidney failure - Shock - Death # Diagnostics - Computed tomography (CT) scan or - Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan to detect a shift in brain contents prior to a lumbar puncture.