Bacterial Meningitis : Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatments & Pathology

The video tutorial discusses a clinical case of meningitis, starting with symptoms like fever, headache, and photophobia. The diagnosis process involves identifying key symptoms such as neck rigidity and rash, leading to a suspicion of meningitis. A lumbar puncture is performed to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) for analysis, confirming bacterial meningitis. Initial treatment with antibiotics and dexamethasone is administered. The CSF analysis reveals a high white blood cell count, indicating a bacterial cause. Surprisingly, Neisseria meningitidis is identified instead of the expected Streptococcus pneumoniae. The patient is treated with ceftriaxone and recovers without complications.

What is the term used to describe the discomfort caused by bright light in meningitis patients?

• Acrophobia

• Claustrophobia

• Nyctophobia

• Photophobia

Why is it important to check for raised intracranial pressure before performing a lumbar puncture?

• To reduce patient discomfort

• To ensure accurate CSF analysis

• To avoid infection

• To prevent brain herniation

What is the purpose of administering dexamethasone before antibiotics in meningitis treatment?

• To increase white blood cell count

• To prevent brain edema

• To enhance the effect of antibiotics

• To reduce fever

Which bacteria was identified as the cause of meningitis in the patient, based on the gram stain results?

• Streptococcus pneumoniae

• Haemophilus influenzae

• Neisseria meningitidis

• Escherichia coli

What characteristic of the rash helped in identifying the type of meningitis?

• Its association with meningococcal meningitis

• Its size

• Its location

• Its color