Meningococcal meningoencephalitis is a severe condition caused by Neisseria meningitidis, leading to inflammation of the brain and spinal cord membranes. Symptoms include severe headache, neck stiffness, high fever, and altered mental state, with potential complications like seizures and cognitive impairment. Immediate hospitalization and treatments include intravenous antibiotics, corticosteroids, and symptomatic care, alongside preventive measures like vaccination and antibiotic prophylaxis for contacts of confirmed cases.

1. MENINGOCOCCAL
MENINGOENCEPHALITIS
By Sunidhi Singh
IM 534

2. Introduction:
• Meningococcal meningoencephalitis is a severe
condition caused by the bacterium Neisseria
meningitidis.
• It involves inflammation of the membranes
covering the brain and spinal cord (meninges) and
the brain itself.
• It's a rare form of meningococcal infection
• Meningococcal meningitis is primarily spread
through respiratory droplets.
• Follows a rapid and severe course.

3. Symptoms:
• Severe Headache
• Neck stiffness
• High fever
• Malaise and body ache
• Nausea
• Vomitting
• PhotoPhobia
• Altered mental state
• Confusion
• seizures
• Petechial or purpuric rash
• Paresis or paralysis

4. Clinical Signs:
• Positive Brudzinski's sign: Neck stiffness causing
involuntary flexion of the hips and knees.
• Positive Kernig's sign: Pain and resistance with knee
extension when the hip is flexed.

5. Complications
• Recurrent seizures
• Brain damage, cognitive impairment
• Memory loss
• Hearing loss
• Septic shock
• DIC
• Multi-organ failure

6. Diagnostic Tests:
• Complete Blood count: leukocytosis, Elevated ESR
• Lumbar Puncture and CSF analysis: Increased WBC,
protein and decreased glucose
• Blood culture: to identify neisseria meningitis in
blood .
• CT or MRI Scan: performed to assess the extent of
inflammation And complications

7. Treatment:
• Immediate hospitalisation
• Intravenous antibiotics (Ceftriaxone: 2 grams every
12 hours; Cefotaxime: 2 grams every 4-6 hours)
• Antiepileptic drugs in case of seizures
• Corticosteroids to reduce inflammation
• Diuretics to reduce swelling in brain
• Symptomatic treatment of pain, fever.

8. Prophylaxis:
• Meningococcal vaccine
• Antibiotic prophylaxis for people who have come in
contact with a confirmed case