- 🔬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.