2. Definition
Meningitis is the inflammation of the
membranes surrounding the brain & spinal
cord, including the dura, arachanoid & pia
matter.
3. Incidence
Meningitis can occur at all ages but it is
commonest in infancy. While 95% of the
cases take place between 1 month- 5
years of age.
It is more common in males than females.
11. Bacterial Meningitis
Caused by a wide variety of pyogenic bacterias
like….
Hemophilus influenza
Meningococcus
Pneumoccous
Streptococcus
Often followed by bacteremia.
12. Viral meningitis
The viral agents for aseptic meningitis include
the following:
Enterovirus (polio virus, Echovirus,
Coxsackievirus )
Herpesvirus (Hsv-1,2, Varicella.Z,EBV )
Paramyxovirus (Mumps, Measles)
Togavirus (Rubella)
Rhabdovirus (Rabies)
Retrovirus (HIV)
13. Fungal Meningitis
It’s rare in healthy people.
But is a higher risk in those who have AIDS,
other forms of immunodeficiency or
immunosuppression.
The most common agents are Cryptococcus
neoformans, Candida, H capsulatum.
14. Parasitic Meningitis
It’s more common in underdeveloped countries
and usually is caused by parasites found in
contaminated water, food, and soil.
The most common causative agents are:
Free-living amoebas (ie, Acanthamoeba,
Balamuthia, Naegleria)
Helminthic eosinophilic meningitis
15. Tubercular meningitis
Caused by mycobacterium tuberculi.
It’s a complication of Childhood tuberculosis &
common cause of prolonged morbidity, handicap
& death.
Children below 5 years are specially prone.
16. Diagnosis
Lumbar Puncture shows elevated pressure.
CSF examination shows
Cloudy CSF.
Raised WBC.
Raised Proteins.
Glucose less than 50mg/dl in most cases.
Culture for tubercle bacilli.
CXR.
Tuberculin skin test.
18. Antitubercular Therapy:
Includes simultaneous administration of 4
drugs (Isoniazid, rifampicin, streptomycin ,
pyrazinamide) for first 3 months, followed
by 2 drugs for another 15 months usually
Rifampicin & INH.
20. Supportive therapy:
Maintain fluid & electrolyte balance as
required.
Neurological assessment.
Temperature control.
21. Prevention
The vaccines against Hib, measles,
mumps, polio, meningococcus, and
pneumococcus can protect against
meningitis.
22. NURSING MANAGEMENT
Isolation
Administration of drugs
Control seizures and protect the child from injury
Maintain fluid and electrolyte balance
Provide rest and comfort.
Parental guidance and support