Ms. J, a 19-year-old college student, has been living in a dormitory on campus. She began experiencing severe headaches, neck pain, and nuchal rigidity, along with irritability and nausea. She noticed that when lying with her hips flexed, she found it very hard to stretch out her legs. Within a day her condition deteriorated, she experienced a tonic-clonic seizure, and she was quickly admitted to the hospital. Tests revealed increased intracranial pressure, fever, and leukocytosis. Bacterial meningitis was suspected, and a lumbar puncture was scheduled.
Discussion Questions
Describe the pathophysiologic changes associated with bacterial meningitis. (See Meningitis—Signs and Symptoms.)
Discuss the causes of meningitis and select the microbe most likely to be the cause in this case. Discuss the transmission of bacterial meningitis and recommendations to protect other students and family. (See Meningitis—Pathophysiology, Etiology.)
Discuss the diagnostic tests available for identifying meningitis. (See Diagnostic Tests.) What are the likely characteristics of the CSF to be found in this case?
Explain the rationale for each manifestation present at this stage. Which manifestation(s) is (are) most significant in the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis? Why are no focal signs present?
Which signs indicating elevated intracranial pressure are likely to be present?
Discuss the treatments available to help this patient and possible long-term complications. (See Treatment.)
