Meningitis examination methods

Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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The examination methods for meningitis mainly include several types. The first is the lumbar puncture examination, which is a very important diagnostic tool. Through lumbar puncture, one can observe the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) pressure, its color, and perform laboratory tests on the CSF to examine biochemical properties and cell count changes. Additionally, it is possible to culture pathogens from the cerebrospinal fluid, which is of great auxiliary value in the diagnosis and differential diagnosis of meningitis. Secondly, patients with meningitis also need to undergo physical examinations. If signs of meningeal irritation are found during the physical examination, it also indicates meningitis. Thirdly, patients may need to undergo enhanced Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) of the brain. If the meningitis lesions are severe, meningeal enhancement can be seen.

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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sequelae of meningitis

Firstly, it may cause meningitis adhesions leading to hydrocephalus. Once hydrocephalus occurs, it may leave cognitive impairments as sequela, such as slow response, memory decline, and reduced executive functions. Secondly, tuberculous meningitis might also damage cranial nerves, resulting in symptoms such as diplopia, difficulty swallowing with choking on water, and dysarthria. If it affects the facial nerve, peripheral facial paralysis and other sequelae might occur. Thirdly, it could also lead to arteritis. The occurrence of arteritis can cause arterial occlusion, leading to the formation of cerebral infarction.

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Written by Li Jian Wu
Pulmonology
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How is meningitis transmitted?

Meningitis, a disease primarily transmitted through close contact, airborne droplets, and poor dietary habits, is mainly caused by bacterial infections leading to purulent meningitis in clinical settings. Some cases are due to tuberculosis bacillus causing tuberculous meningitis. Additionally, there are viral forms of meningitis, most commonly from enteroviruses or Echo viruses. A minority of patients may also develop cryptococcal meningitis. Treatment should involve the use of appropriate antimicrobial drugs based on clinical symptoms and the infecting pathogen, coupled with measures to decrease intracranial pressure and relieve brain edema, ensuring early detection and treatment to prevent complications.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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What is meningitis?

Meningitis is predominantly an inflammation that occurs in the meninges and can extend to the brain parenchyma. It is generally caused by pathogenic microorganisms, including common pathogens such as bacteria, fungi, viruses, tuberculosis bacteria, etc. The most common symptoms include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting, stiff neck, etc. More severe cases can present with convulsions, disturbances of consciousness, or even coma. The condition can be mild or severe, and if not treated promptly, it can be fatal in serious cases.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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How is meningitis treated?

The treatment of meningitis is comprehensive. Firstly, medication should be based on the cause of the disease. For example, if it is caused by bacteria, sensitive antibiotics should be chosen for treatment; if caused by tuberculosis bacilli, standard anti-tuberculosis treatment should be applied; if caused by fungi, appropriate antifungal drugs should be used, and so forth. Additionally, symptomatic treatment is necessary, such as timely decompression treatment for increased intracranial pressure; fever reduction, especially for patients with high fever; and controlling seizures in patients with anticonvulsants. Moreover, it is important to maintain nutritional and electrolyte balance and ensure that the respiratory tract remains clear, among other things. If there are complications, they should be actively treated. (Specific medications should be administered under the guidance of a physician.)

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Written by Zhang Hui
Neurology
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Differentiation between purulent meningitis and viral meningitis

Purulent meningitis and viral meningitis are different diseases. Purulent meningitis is caused by bacterial infection of the meninges. Viral meningitis is caused by viral invasion of the meninges. Generally, purulent meningitis is more severe, and patients may exhibit symptoms of systemic toxin poisoning, such as high fever, nausea, vomiting, sickly appearance, and general weakness. The symptoms of viral meningitis are relatively mild, and the fever is not particularly severe. Another important differentiation is based on the analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. In viral meningitis, the lumbar puncture shows that the white blood cell count is below 1000*10^6/L, and the levels of sugar and chloride are generally normal or slightly low, with protein usually mildly elevated. In purulent meningitis, the cerebrospinal fluid shows a significant increase in white blood cell count, even reaching from 1000*10^6/L to 10000*10^6/L; the protein content is significantly increased, the sugar content is markedly decreased, and chloride levels are reduced. Additionally, bacteria can be found in the cerebrospinal fluid and blood cultures in purulent meningitis, whereas viral meningitis cerebrospinal fluid cultures do not show bacteria.