How is purulent meningitis diagnosed?

summary

Purulent meningitis, also known as bacterial meningitis, is an infectious disease of the central nervous system caused by various purulent bacteria. It is characterized by fever, headache, vomiting, convulsion, disturbance of consciousness, increased intracranial pressure, meningeal irritation and purulent changes in cerebrospinal fluid. 90% of the cases occur under 5 years old, and 75% of the cases occur in infants under 2 years old. So, in life, we should pay attention to it, the following is how to specifically talk about the diagnosis of purulent meningitis?.

How is purulent meningitis diagnosed?

First: purulent meningitis in childhood: it is more likely to have typical symptoms, such as fever, headache, vomiting, neck pain and stiffness, impaired state of consciousness and poor spirit. Physical examination can show disturbance of consciousness, neck resistance, positive Kirschner's sign and Brucella's sign.

Second: infantile purulent meningitis: performance is not specific, often the first respiratory or digestive symptoms, vomiting, poor eating, fever, restlessness, drowsiness, eyes dull, some may have convulsions, shaking head, fontanelle full, Brucella sign is an important sign.

Third: children with respiratory tract infection or other infections: such as pneumonia, otitis media, mastoiditis, osteomyelitis, head and face soft tissue infection or sepsis, accompanied by neurological symptoms;

matters needing attention

(1) Peripheral blood: the total number of white blood cells and neutrophils increased significantly. However, in severe cases or neonates with cerebral degeneration, the total number of white blood cells decreased or the third lineage was inhibited. Serum C-reactive protein and procalcitonin increased（ 2) Blood culture, sputum culture, skin pus, etc. Skin ecchymosis smear is one of the important diagnostic methods for epidemic cerebrospinal meningitis（ 3) Others: tuberculin test and other auxiliary identification when necessary.