MENINGITIS Carol Kirrane Lecturer Practitioner

Contents A&P Facts Signs & Symptoms Contagious?? Diagnosis Treatment Nursing Care Issues

What is Meningitis Meningitis is an infection of the fluid of a person’s spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges of the brain Usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection- (important to establish which one as to the severity of illness)

Viral V Bacterial infection Viral is generally less severe & resolves without specific treatment Bacterial can be severe and result in brain damage, hearing loss or learning disability For bacterial it is important to know which type of bacteria is causing the infection- some AB’s can prevent spread and infecting other people

Bacterial Meningitis Before the 1990’s, Haemophilius influenza type b was the leading cause- new vaccines given to children have reduced occurrence Steptococcus pneumoniae and Neisseria are leading causes of bacterial meningitis today Bacterial is more common in children and teenage and college students

SYMPTOMS High fever Headache Stiff neck- these symptoms develop over hours May lead to skin rashes classic rash (use glass) Others: nausea & vomiting, discomfort in bright lights, confusion & sleepiness Children: As above also inactive, feeding poorly & seizures

Complications Neurological problems Hearing loss Blindness Seizures Learning Disabilities

Spread The infection can start anywhere, including the skin, GI tract but mostly the respiratory tract From there the microorganisms can enter the blood stream, travel through the body and enter the CNS Can spread through direct infection of ear (otitis media) or nasal sinus after HI

DIAGNOSIS Symptoms Growing bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid

TREATMENT A number of effective AB’s Important to start early in the course of the disease Appropriate AB’s treatment of most common types of bacterial meningitis should reduce the risk of dying from meningitis to below 15% although the risk if higher among the elderly

Contagious???? Some forms of bacterial meningitis are contagious. Bacteria is spread through exchange of respiratory & throat secretions (coughing/kissing) Not as contagious as common cold/flu Need direct contact with patients oral secretions People in close contact given prophylactic AB’s not needed if under 4 yrs and vaccinated

Prevention Good hygiene Avoid sharing drinks/ cutlery Avoid close contact with sufferers Ensure children vaccinated

Incubation Varies with the organism Ranges between 2 days & 2 weeks

National Meningitis Association