Meningitis - causes, symptoms, diagnosis, treatment, pathology
Osmosis from Elsevier・7 minutes read
Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, affecting the leptomeninges covering the brain and spinal cord, with cerebrospinal fluid playing a crucial role in cushioning and protecting these structures. Various factors, including autoimmune diseases, medication reactions, and infections by bacteria or viruses like Neisseria meningitidis or herpes simplex virus, can lead to meningitis.
Insights
- The meninges, comprised of the dura mater, arachnoid mater, and pia mater, protect the brain and spinal cord, with the leptomeninges (arachnoid and pia mater) playing a crucial role in inflammation during meningitis.
- Meningitis can be caused by various factors such as autoimmune diseases, medication reactions, Neisseria meningitidis, or herpes simplex virus infections, emphasizing the importance of prompt diagnosis and treatment to prevent serious complications.
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What are the layers of the meninges?
Dura mater, arachnoid mater, pia mater.
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Summary
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Understanding Meningitis and Cerebrospinal Fluid
- Meningitis is an inflammation of the meninges, specifically the leptomeninges, which are the inner two layers covering the brain and spinal cord.
- The meninges consist of the dura mater (outer layer), arachnoid mater (middle layer), and pia mater (inner layer), with the arachnoid and pia mater being the leptomeninges.
- The subarachnoid space between the leptomeninges contains cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), which cushions the brain and spinal cord.
- CSF typically contains a few white blood cells, proteins (15-50 mg), and glucose (45-100 mg), with a pressure below 200 mm of H2O.
- Around 150 ml of CSF is present in the body, with 500 ml produced daily and excess absorbed into the blood.
- Nutrients entering or leaving the CSF and brain must pass through the blood-brain barrier, which regulates the exchange.
- Meningitis can be triggered by autoimmune diseases, adverse reactions to medication, or infections like Neisseria meningitidis or herpes simplex virus, with bacteria and viruses being common causes.
