MENINGITIS

Christina Cuellar
Midwestern State University
4733-X31
Robert Comello
July 4, 2018
 MENINGITIS
Meningitis is the inflammation surrounding the brain and the spinal cords
membranes. There is often fluid that affects the membranes which would
normally cause the swelling. However, accidents such as injuries, drugs and
or infections can also lead to meningitis. Germs are a big cause of bacterial
meningitis which can be spread by food or from person to person. There are
two common forms of meningitis which are viral (which is the most common
type) and bacterial meningitis. Before diagnostic scans are obtained a lumbar
puncture is performed in an upright, prone position which would determine
inflammation of the brain or sinuses. It can be diagnosed mostly be clinical
evaluation and by cerebral spinal fluid study. Some symptoms and clinical
features include nausea, headache, neck stiffness and fever.
 DIAGNOSTIC
PROCEDURES
MRI
•Ask patient if their claustrophobic
so you could administer a sedative
• Patient lies on back on MRI table
•Patient may need a plastic coil
placed around their head and or
receive a contrast solution
(gadolinium)
•Explain how long the procedure
may take (30-60 minutes)
•Patient slides through MRI and
technologist takes pictures which
may take a few minutes.
•MRI images were obtained on 5
mm thick with a spacing of 1 mm.
CT
•Inform patient not to eat a few hours
before if a contrast will be used.
•If contrast is used it may be administered
through and IV line or by enema (Iodine-
based or barium-sulfate compunds)
•Technologist positions patient on
examination table laying flat on their back
•Explain to patient how procedure will be
short (10 minutes) and painless
•Explain how the patient may be asked to
hold their breath during the examination
for short amounts of time.
•Straps or pillows could be used in order
to correctly position patient
• CT table will move through scanner to
obtain images
 CT
frontal lobe abscess
lateral ventricle

thalamus

cerebellum

Figure 2: Shows a CT scan of brain with a lobulated,

Figure 1: showing normal CT scan of brain hypoattenuating abscess within the left basal ganglia.
Showing a developing abscess in the brain in a patient with
bacterial meningitis.
 MRI
frontal sinus frontal sinusitis

abscess

corpus callosum

thalamus
third
ventricle

choroid plexus

falx cerebri

Figure 2: Shows and abscess formation,

Figure1: Shows the scan of a
frontal sinusitis and empyema in a patient with
normal MRI scan of the brain
bacterial meningitis
 CONCLUSION
In the end, MRI is the best modality of choice
when helping the radiologist diagnose/treat
Meningitis. MRI provides much more detail than a
CT scan. It can help detect and uncover more
information and abnormalities such as eye
diseases, tumors and or infections. An MRI scan
shows the abnormal tissues and inflammation
better and more clearer than an CT scan.
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