17.3 Meningitis

Question 1

What are the 3 layers between the skull and the brain?

Answer 1

• Dura
• Arachnoid
• Pia

Question 2

What are the leptomeninges?

Answer 2

Arachnoid and Pia - both of which are very light and thin

Question 3

What is meningitis?

Answer 3

Inflammation of the leptomeninges (arachnoid and pia)

Question 4

Common Causes of Meningitis in Neonates

Answer 4

• Group B Strep
• E. coli
• Listeria monocytogenes

Question 5

Common Causes of Meningitis in Children and Teenagers

Answer 5

• N. meningitidis (enters via the nasopharynx)

Question 6

Common Causes of Meningitis in Adults and the Elderly

Answer 6

• Strep pneumo

Question 7

Common Causes of Meningitis in Unvaccinated Infants

Answer 7

• H. flu

Question 8

Common Causes of Meningitis in the Immunocompromised

Answer 8

• Fungi

Question 9

What is the most common viral cause of meningitis?

Answer 9

Coxsackievirus

Question 10

What is the classic triad of symptoms for meningitis?

Answer 10

• Headache
• Neck stiffness
• Fever

Question 11

What is the level lumbar punctures are taken at?

Answer 11

Between L4 and L5

Question 12

What level does the spinal cord end at?

Answer 12

L2

Question 13

What is NOT pierced when a lumbar puncture is take?

Answer 13

Pia mater. It is NOT pierced.

Question 14

What will be seen on lumbar puncture in bacterial meningitis?

Answer 14

• Neutrophils
• Low glucose
• Positive Gram stain and culture

Question 15

What will be seen on lumbar puncture in viral meningitis?

Answer 15

• Lymphocytes

- Normal CSF and glucose

Question 16

What will be seen on lumbar puncture in fungal meningitis?

Answer 16

• Lymphocytes

- Low glucose

Question 17

What kind of meningitis will most often lead to complications?

Answer 17

Bacterial - formation of pus in the CSF will have complications from hydrocephalus to hearing loss, seizures and death.