Chapter 36

Inflammatory Conditions of the Brain
• Most common inflammatory conditions of the brain and spinal cord
• Brain abscesses
• Meningitis
• Encephalitis
• Mortality rate is 10% - 15%
• Some who recover have long-term neurologic deficits

Bacterial Meningitis
• Acute inflammation of the meningeal
tissues surrounding the brain and spinal
cord.
• Mandatory reporting to CDC
• Mortality rate 50% - 100% if untreated

Bacterial Meningitis
• Organisms enter CNS through the upper respiratory tract or bloodstream
• Inflammatory response
• Key signs
• Fever, severe headache, nausea, vomiting, nuchal rigidity
• Photophobia, decreased LOC, increased ICP
• Meningococcal – petechial rash
• Coma is associated with poor prognosis
• Medical emergency
• Antibiotic therapy is begun before diagnosis is
confirmed