Meningit IS: Vicjane A. Gabuco BSN 3A-Group 2 Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation San Lazaro Hospital

MENINGIT
IS
Vicjane A. Gabuco
BSN 3A-Group 2
Manuel S. Enverga University Foundation
San Lazaro Hospital
OVERVIE
W
•Meningitis is an infection of the coverings around the brain

and spinal cord.
The infection occurs most often in children, teens, and young
adults. Also at risk are older adults and people who have
long-term health problems, such as a weakened immune
system.
• An inflammatory process that affects the meninges and

spinal cord of the brain = ICP
•Common interference with neurological functioning in
children
•This is the most common infection of the CNS.
There are two main kinds of meningitis:
•Viral meningitis is fairly common. It usually does not cause
serious illness. In severe cases, it can cause prolonged fever
and seizures.
•Bacterial meningitis is not as common but is very serious. It
needs to be treated right away to prevent brain damage and
death.
The two kinds of meningitis share the same symptoms. It’s
very important to see a doctor if you have symptoms, so that
he or she can find out which type you have.
SOURCE
How Does Someone Get Meningitis?

The body has natural defenses against infections — and usually
even if someone comes across a virus or bacteria that can cause
meningitis, the body can fight it off. Everyone has lots of germs
living on and in their bodies. Most of the time, these germs
don't cause any illness. In fact, some of them, like some of the
bacteria normally found in the intestines, help the body to work
properly. However, some germs do cause infections.
If a person gets an infection, the body's immune system will go
to work to fight it. That's why you might feel sick one day, but
then you start to feel better. The immune system is doing its job.
Some germs, however, are tricky. They can outsmart the body's
defenses and spread inside of the body. Some of these germs
can even invade the central nervous system, infecting the
meninges and causing meningitis.
CAUSATIVE
AGENT
•Streptococcus
•Staphylococcus
•Pneumococcus
•Tubercle Bacillus
• Viral meningitis is caused by viruses. Bacterial

meningitis is caused by bacteria.
Meningitis can also be caused by other organisms and
some medicines, but this is rare.
Meningitis is contagious. The germs that cause it can be
passed from one person to another through coughing and
sneezing and through close contact.
SIGNS &
SYMPTOMS
The most common symptoms among teens and young adults
are:
•A stiff and painful neck, especially when you try to touch your
chin to your chest.
•Fever.
•Headache.
•Vomiting.
•Trouble staying awake.
The most common symptoms among teens and young adults
are:
•A stiff and painful neck, especially when you try to touch your
chin to your chest.
•Fever.
•Headache.
•Vomiting.
•Trouble staying awake.
•Seizures.
Children, older adults, and people with other medical
problems may have different symptoms:
•Babies may be cranky and refuse to eat. They may have a
rash. They may cry when held.
•Young children may act like they have the flu. They may
cough or have trouble breathing.
•Older adults and people with other medical problems may
have only a slight headache and fever.
It is very important to see a doctor right away if you or
your child has these symptoms. Only a doctor can tell
whether they are caused by viral or bacterial meningitis.
And bacterial meningitis can be deadly if not treated right
away.
PATHOGNOMONIC SIGN
Three signs of meningeal irritation:

1. Opisthotonus – state of severe hyperextension &
spasticify in w/c the individuals head, neck & spinal
column enter into a complete arching position.
2. Brudzinski’s sign – place the patient in dorsal
recumbent position & then put hands behind the
patient’s neck & bend it forward. If the patient flexes
the hips & knees in response to the manipulation, the
patient is positive for meningitis.
3. Kernig’s sign – place the patient in supine position,
flex his leg at the hip & knee then straighten the knee,
pain & resistance indicates meningitis.
MODE OF
TRANSMISSION
•Respiratory droplet - contagious
INCUBATION PERIOD
•Incubation period varies from 1-10 days.

DIAGNOSIS
Your doctor will ask questions about your health, do an

exam, and use one or more tests.
Lumbar puncture is the most important lab test for
meningitis. It is also called a spinal tap. A sample of
fluid is removed from the spine and tested to see if it
contains organisms that cause the illness.
Your doctor may also order other tests, such as blood
tests, a CT scan, or an MRI.
PATHOPHYSIOLOGY
· The common route of infection is by vascular

dissemination from a focus of infection
elsewhere.
· Organisms also enter by direct implantation through

various entries such as open fractures, surgical procedures,
lumbar puncture, anatomic abnormalities such as Spina
Bifida, Ear infections.
· The infectious process may extend to the ventricles with

resulting adhesions causing obstructive hydrocephalus and
brain abscesses.
· If infection in the brain – A purulent exudates covers
the brain and may cause increased ICP.
· Most common route is through the blood stream from a

focus of infection elsewhere.
· Can occur as direct extension from invasive procedures

or devices.
· Meningococcal – direct contact – droplets and

discharge from nose and throats of carriers.
COMPLICATION
S
•An increased intracranial pressure is a known and a

potentially fatal complication of bacterial meningitis. The
main sign of an increased intracranial pressure is an
altered state of consciousness, which may vary from
lethargy to confusion to coma.
•Otitis media (hearing impairment)

TREATMENT
• Dexamethasone – anti-inflammatory drug

•Mannitol – diuretic agent, pulls water out of the brain
•Anti convulsant drug
•Anti pyretic
NURSING
INTERVENTION
• FIRST thing - is ISOLATE the patient

• Lumbar Puncture
• Blood work is drawn
• Start Antibiotic Therapy - Penicillin drug of choice - it
crosses the blood brain barrier
• Close assessment for ICP
• Maintenance of optimal hydration - due to high fever -
Careful not to overload
PREVENTION
· Prophylactic antibiotic to anyone who has been in

contact or who has TB
· RIFAMPIN

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MENINGIT

•Meningitis is an infection of the coverings around the brain

• An inflammatory process that affects the meninges and

How Does Someone Get Meningitis?

• Viral meningitis is caused by viruses. Bacterial

Three signs of meningeal irritation:

•Incubation period varies from 1-10 days.

Your doctor will ask questions about your health, do an

· The common route of infection is by vascular

· Organisms also enter by direct implantation through

· The infectious process may extend to the ventricles with

· Most common route is through the blood stream from a

· Can occur as direct extension from invasive procedures

· Meningococcal – direct contact – droplets and

•An increased intracranial pressure is a known and a

•Otitis media (hearing impairment)

• Dexamethasone – anti-inflammatory drug

• FIRST thing - is ISOLATE the patient

· Prophylactic antibiotic to anyone who has been in

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