Here are 30 questions and answers based on the provided lecture notes on Meningitis and Encephalitis:
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Q: What is meningitis?
- A: Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges.
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Q: What are the common bacterial causes of neonatal meningitis?
- A: Group B beta-hemolytic streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Listeria monocytogenes.
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Q: Which virus is most commonly associated with viral meningitis?
- A: Enteroviruses, such as coxsackieviruses and echoviruses.
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Q: What is a key symptom of meningitis in infants under 2 years old?
- A: Infants may appear slow or inactive, vomit, or feed poorly.
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Q: What is the incubation period for enterovirus-caused meningitis?
- A: About 3–7 days.
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Q: What diagnostic procedure is used to analyze cerebrospinal fluid in suspected meningitis cases?
- A: Lumbar puncture (spinal tap).
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Q: What is meningococcal meningitis?
- A: An infection of the lining of the brain caused by Neisseria meningitidis.
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Q: What is a characteristic symptom of meningococcal meningitis?
- A: A pinpoint rash.
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Q: What is the typical treatment for bacterial meningitis?
- A: Immediate treatment with wide-spectrum antibiotics, such as third-generation cephalosporins.
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Q: What is encephalitis?
- A: Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain.
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Q: Which virus is the most common cause of encephalitis?
- A: Herpes simplex virus.
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Q: What are the advanced symptoms of encephalitis?
- A: Seizures, tremors, hallucinations, and memory problems.
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Q: What is a common complication of meningococcal meningitis?
- A: Brain tissue swelling and increased skull pressure.
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Q: What is the contagious period for meningococcal meningitis?
- A: From 7 days prior to the onset of symptoms until 24 hours after antibiotics are started.
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Q: What is the role of corticosteroids in the treatment of encephalitis?
- A: To reduce brain swelling and inflammation.
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Q: What is a positive Kernig’s sign indicative of?
- A: Meningitis.
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Q: What is the prognosis for children who survive bacterial meningitis?
- A: About 15% may have neurologic problems, and 20% may have cognitive, academic, and behavioral issues.
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Q: What is the recommended prophylaxis for household contacts exposed to Neisseria meningitidis?
- A: Rifampin, Ciprofloxacin, or Ceftriaxone.
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Q: What is a contraindication for performing a lumbar puncture?
- A: Presence of a mass in the brain or elevated intracranial pressure.
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Q: What is the typical incubation period for meningococcal meningitis?
- A: 2–10 days, usually 3–4 days.
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Q: What is a common non-infectious cause of meningitis?
- A: Drugs, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs and certain antibiotics.
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Q: What is a common symptom of encephalitis in younger children?
- A: Irritability and poor appetite.
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Q: What is the role of EEG in diagnosing herpes simplex encephalitis?
- A: It may show sharp waves in the temporal lobes.
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Q: What is the significance of a stiff neck in meningitis?
- A: It is a common symptom in individuals over the age of 2 years.
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Q: What is the treatment for viral meningitis?
- A: Supportive therapy and specific antiviral drugs for certain viruses.
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Q: What is the role of CT or MRI in meningitis diagnosis?
- A: Recommended if raised intracranial pressure is suspected before lumbar puncture.
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Q: What is the common fungal cause of meningitis in immunocompromised individuals?
- A: Cryptococcus neoformans.
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Q: What is the typical treatment for herpes simplex virus encephalitis?
- A: Acyclovir.
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Q: What is a common complication of untreated meningitis?
- A: Brain damage or death.
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Q: What is the role of antibiotics in meningitis treatment?
- A: To treat bacterial infections and prevent complications.