Evaluating neurologic infection requires detailed patient history, history of demographics and immune status.
Pathogens can attack all areas of the nervous system causing distinct clinical syndromes.
A neurologic history and examination are fundamental to early and accurate diagnosis of nervous system infections.
- Common features of meningitis.
Impaired sensorium, hemodynamic instability, and respiratory compromise are life-threatening complications that require ICU monitoring.
Gram stained and culture from blood and CSF are critical for diagnosis.
Immunocompromised patients are patients with focal neurologic findings, seizures, obtundation, or papilledema should undergo a noncontrast head CT scan prior to lumbar puncture.
With suspected meningitis antibiotics are initiated a soon as possible, even prior to lumbar puncture, if the study is delayed.
Viruses are the most common cause of meningitis, and they are typically self-limiting and less severe infections.