Meningitis

• What is meningitis an infection of?

  The protective membranes around the brain
• Which type of meningitis is rarer but more serious?

  Bacterial meningitis
• What are the causes of meningitis?

  Infection or non-infection causes
• In which age group is bacterial meningitis most common?

  Babies and children
• What bacterium causes meningococcal disease?

  Neisseria meningitidis
• What percentage of meningococcal disease cases result in meningococcal meningitis?

  15%
• What is responsible for most invasive meningococcal disease cases in those under 25?

  MenB
• What is the bacterium associated with pneumococcal disease?

  Streptococcus pneumoniae
• How is meningitis transmitted?

  Aerosol, droplets, or direct contact
• What is the incubation period for meningitis?

  1. 5 days
• What vaccines offer protection against meningitis?

  • MenB vaccine: 8 weeks, 16 weeks, 1 year
  • 6-in-1 vaccine: 8, 12, 16 weeks
  • Pneumococcal vaccine: 12 weeks, 1 year, adults 65+
  • Hib/MenC vaccine: 1 year
  • MenACWY vaccine: teenagers and university freshers
• What is a common symptom of meningitis related to the skin?

  Non-blanching rash
• What does a stiff neck indicate in meningitis?

  Possible irritation of the meninges
• What is the capillary refill time indicating in meningitis?

  More than 2 seconds - cold hands and feet
• What does a bulging fontanelle indicate in infants?

  Increased intracranial pressure
• What is Kernig's sign?

  Inability to extend knee when hip is flexed
• What is Brudzinski's sign?

  Knees and hips flex when neck is flexed
• What are common non-specific symptoms of meningitis?

  Fever, vomiting, lethargy, irritability, ill appearance, refusing food/drink, headache, signs of breathing difficulty
• How can bacterial meningitis be distinguished from viral infections?

  More specific symptoms indicate bacterial meningitis
• What should be considered when diagnosing meningitis?

  Parental concern, illness progression, severity
• What is the glass test used for?

  To check if a rash fades under pressure
• What can happen to a rash as meningitis progresses?

  A blanching rash can become non-blanching
• What are the complications of bacterial meningitis?

  • Sepsis (blood poisoning)
  • Permanent brain or nerve damage
  • Hearing or vision loss
  • Memory/concentration problems
  • Epilepsy
  • Movement problems
  • Loss of limbs
• What should be done in case of suspected meningitis?

  Call 999 for ambulance or A&E
• What should be done while waiting for meningitis test results?

  Commence prophylactic empirical antibiotics
• What is the treatment for viral meningitis?

  Self-limiting, resolves in 7-10 days
• How long is the treatment for bacterial meningitis typically?

  At least a week in hospital with IV antibiotics, fluids and O2
• What type of diseases are bacterial meningitis and meningococcal disease?

  Notifiable diseases
• How is it transmitted?

  Aerosol, droplets, or direct contact with secretions from the upper respiratory tract