In most cases, the infection causing meningitis arises in the nasopharynx: Can lead to intravascular invasion and bacteraemia Meningeal invasion occurs at high-level bacteraemia following penetration of the blood-brain barrier Bacteria associated with meningitis...
On assessment the patient is tachycardic and pyrexial. He is becoming more drowsy and is now only responding to voice. He is photophobic and has a severe headache. You suspect the most likely diagnosis is bacterial...
To Determine Diagnosis Consider need for CT prior to lumbar puncture:Perform to exclude mass lesion if altered consciousness, focal signs, papilledema, a recent seizure or is immunocompromisedDo not delay treatment for CT – take blood cultures and commence...
