Bacterial Meningitis
Neurology · ~7% of blueprint- Pathophysiology
- Bacterial infection of the meninges/subarachnoid space → inflammation and raised ICP.
- Signs & Symptoms
- Fever, headache, nuchal rigidity, photophobia, altered mental status; ± petechial rash (meningococcus).
- Gold Standard Diagnosis
- Lumbar puncture: ↑ neutrophils, ↑ protein, ↓ glucose; CT before LP if focal deficits / ↑ ICP signs.
- First-line Treatment
- Empiric ceftriaxone + vancomycin (+ ampicillin if >50/immunocompromised) + dexamethasone.
High-Yield Pearl
Give empiric antibiotics immediately — don’t delay treatment for the LP.
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Learn it in your courses
Gross Anatomy
Immunology & Genetics
Physiology
Sources
Reviewed September 2026- Practice Guidelines for the Management of Bacterial Meningitis — Infectious Diseases Society of America, 2004
- StatPearls: Bacterial Meningitis — StatPearls Publishing, 2026
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