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Meningitis - meningococcal

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Meningococcal lesions on the back

Meningococcal lesions on the back

Meningitis - meningococcal

Alternative Names:

Meningococcal meningitis
Symptoms:

Rash, pinpoint red spots (petechiae)
High fever
Severe headache
Severe malaise (feeling very unwell)
Nausea and vomiting
Stiff neck
Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
Mental status changes

Signs and tests:

Physical examination will reveal low blood pressure, fast heart rate, stiff neck, and a possible rash.

Other tests include the following:

Elevated white blood cell (WBC) count
Spinal tap for spinal fluid (CSF) showing increased white blood cells, low glucose, high protein
Special stains of spinal fluid sometimes showing meningococcus
CSF culture growing meningococci
Blood culture growing meningococci
CT scan of the brain is usually normal

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