Based on the information provided in the case, my roommate’s major symptoms are headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, and high fever. These symptoms are usually associated with meningitis, which implies that my roommate could be suffering from this condition. Meningitis is defined as an infection of the meninges or lining and fluid that cover the external parts of the brain and spinal cord. The classic symptoms of meningitis that affect nearly every individual with the condition are headache, vomiting, fever and chills, confusion, seizures, stiff neck, drowsiness, and photophobia i.e. extreme sensitivity to bright lights (Davis & Stoppler, 2017). The most probable cause of my roommate’s symptoms is viruses given that she could be suffering from viral meningitis, which is the most common and least dangerous form of this condition. In her case, the condition could have been caused by enteroviruses, which are found or live in the intestines. The main diagnostic test she will undergo at the hospital is collection of her blood samples or cerebrospinal fluid i.e. fluid near the spinal cord. These samples will then undergo a laboratory test and analysis to determine the cause of the infection and appropriate treatment...
During the test, the relevant anatomy or landmark utilized by the doctor to carry out a spinal tap or lumbar puncture diagnostic test is the lumbar spine because it’s crucial for proper needle trajectory. Additionally, the physician will take note of L4 spinous process and lumbar spine midline, which are crucial landmarks for re-positioning of the needle during the collection of cerebrospinal fluid (Doherty & Forbes, 2014). A needle will be utilized during the test as it is inserted between the third and fourth lumbar vertebrae until it reaches the spinal canal (Berger, 2016). During this process, the physician ensures that the needle does not touch the nerves of the spinal cord. The third lumbar vertebrae is located in the lower back part of the spinal column and stabilizes and supports the weight of the body while permitting the spine to turn and move freely. The fourth lumbar vertebrae basically provides protection to the spinal cord, carries out procedures and grooves where muscles attach, and connects with other spinal vertebrae. During this diagnostic procedure, she will be lie down on her left side and position her head in a manner that enables her to bend the neck closer to her chest. She could also…References
Berger, T. (2016, February). Lumbar Puncture (Spinal Tap). Retrieved September 9, 2017, from http://www.mayfieldclinic.com/PE-LP.HTM
Davis, C.P. & Stoppler, M.C. (2017, July 25). Meningitis in Adults. Retrieved September 9, 2017, from http://www.emedicinehealth.com/meningitis_in_adults/page4_em.htm
Doherty, C.M. & Forbes, R.B. (2014, May). Diagnostic Lumbar Puncture. Ulster Medical Journal, 83(2), 93-102.
Meningitis Select one bacterial, one fungal, and one viral pathogen capable of producing meningitis in humans. Bacterial: Neisseria meningitidis Fungal: Cryptococcus neoformans Viral: Epstein-Barr virus Describe the general characteristics and structure of each pathogen. Neisseria meningitidis: parasitic, aerobic, Gram-negative, non-endospore forming, nonmotile, coccal bacterium (Devoe 1982,-page 162). Cryptococcus neoformans: grows as a yeast, unicellular, replicates by budding, makes hyphae during mating, eventually creates basidospores (Heitman 2011). Epstein-Barr virus: mature particle has diameter of 120 nm to 180 nm;
Meningitis is an inflammation of the coverings of spinal cord and brain. Meningitis results from an infection to the cerebrospinal fluid in the spaces that surround the brain and spinal cord (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC], 2012). Either infections from viruses or from bacteria can cause meningitis; however, the viral form of meningitis is often significantly less severe than its bacterial counterpart and usually resolves without much treatment
Meningitis Letter Dear: We are excited to have you as a student at Neisserian College and seek ways to make your educational experience here as rewarding as possible. We recognize that as a college student you are now a young adult and want to give you some important medical information regarding life at college. While schools do everything they can to protect their students' health, occasionally students will acquire an infectious disease. In
Carriers might pass on the disease, but they may not suffer from it for days, months, years or even indefinitely. The cause of susceptibility, other than the obvious -- a weakened immune -- system is not known. People who come in close contact, such as members of a family, children and youngsters at school of day care, those that are sexually or otherwise intimate will transmit the disease. These individuals
Introduction Meningitis infects the meninges, the delicate membranes that house the spinal cord and the brain. It is a rare infection that can affect adults and children alike. The disease manifests in several types such as through viral, bacterial and fungal varieties. Bacterial meningitis is the most dangerous and infectious variety. It is a life threatening disease. It infects people in physical contact. Incidentally, viral meningitis is not as severe as
It can be quite contagious. Fungal meningitis generally occurs in patients who are immune compromised. The symptoms are similar to viral and bacterial meningitis. As with many opportunistic fungal infections of immune compromised patients, it can be quite serious, and treatment is difficult or impossible. Diagnosis and Treatment The biggest question for physicians treating patients with suspected meningitis is: "is it viral or is it bacterial?" Rapid tests for Neisseria meningitidis (meningococcus)
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