Treatments for Pneumococcal meningitis
Treatments for Pneumococcal meningitis
The list of treatments mentioned in various sources
for Pneumococcal meningitis
includes the following list.
Always seek professional medical advice about any treatment
or change in treatment plans.
- Antibiotic therapy should be started as soon as possible. Ceftriaxone is one of the most commonly used antibiotics. If antibiotic resistance is suspected, vancomycin or rifampin are used. Sometimes systemic corticosteroids may be used, especially in children
Pneumococcal meningitis: Is the Diagnosis Correct?
The first step in getting correct treatment is
to get a correct diagnosis.
Differential diagnosis list for Pneumococcal meningitis may include:
Hidden causes of Pneumococcal meningitis may be incorrectly diagnosed:
- Streptococcus pneumoniae is the most common cause of meningitis in adults, and the second most common cause of meningitis in children older than age 6
- more causes...»
Pneumococcal meningitis: Marketplace Products, Discounts & Offers
Products, offers and promotion categories available for Pneumococcal meningitis:
Pneumococcal meningitis: Research Doctors & Specialists
- Neurology (Brain/CNS Specialists):
- Stroke & Vascular Specialists:
- Senior Health Specialists (Geriatrics):
- more specialists...»
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Hospital statistics for Pneumococcal meningitis:
These medical statistics relate to hospitals, hospitalization and Pneumococcal meningitis:
- 0.005% (692) of hospital consultant episodes were for pneumococcal meningitis in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 74% of hospital consultant episodes for pneumococcal meningitis required hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 53% of hospital consultant episodes for pneumococcal meningitis were for men in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 47% of hospital consultant episodes for pneumococcal meningitis were for women in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- 80% of hospital consultant episodes for pneumococcal meningitis required emergency hospital admission in England 2002-03 (Hospital Episode Statistics, Department of Health, England, 2002-03)
- more hospital information...»
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Book Excerpts: Treatment of Pneumococcal meningitis
Treatments of Pneumococcal meningitis: Online Medical Books
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Review excerpts from medical books online, free, without registration,
for more information about the treatments of Pneumococcal meningitis.
Headache:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Tension-type headache: Regular exercise, stress management, tricyclic antidepressants, analgesics
-
Migraine headache: Avoid triggers; serotonin agonists (e.g., sumatriptan), NSAIDs, ergotomines
-
Temporal arteritis: High-dose corticosteroids
-
Meningitis: Search for and treat the primary source (e.g., pneumonia, sinusitis, neoplasm)
–Urgent antimicrobial administration for infections
–Treat inflammatory causes with steroids
-
Subarachnoid hemorrhage requires attention to airway, breathing, and circulation, and management of increased intracranial pressure (maintain normal blood pressure; hypertension may cause the aneurysm to rebleed, hypotension may cause cerebral ischemia); administer nimodipine to prevent cerebral vasospasm, seizure prophylaxis with IV phenytoin, surgery
-
Cluster headache: Oxygen inhalation for 5–10 minutes; serotonin agonists, ergotamines, and/or methysergide
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Photophobia:
Treatment
(In a Page: Signs and Symptoms)
-
Corneal abrasion: Topical antibiotics with or without cycloplegic agents; NSAIDs; patching may be the preferred treatment, depending on the size of the abrasion and the patient's level of discomfort
-
Bacterial conjunctivitis: Topical antibiotics
-
Allergic conjunctivitis: Topical antihistamine/mast cell stabilizers
-
Chemical conjunctivitis: Copious irrigation, topical cycloplegics, and topical antibiotics
-
Anterior uveitis: Cycloplegic agents, topical steroids, treat secondary glaucoma and underlying disorder
-
Migraine: Abortive therapy (triptans), oral pain medication, antiemetics
-
Meningitis: IV antibiotics
-
Episcleritis: Topical steroids in moderate to severe cases
-
Subarachnoid hemorrhage: Emergent neurosurgical consult
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In a Page: Signs and Symptoms, 2004
Headache:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Explanation and reassurance alone may provide relief
-
Avoid triggers
–Trauma, sunlight, insomnia, stress, diet, dehydration
-
Symptomatic treatment:
–Acetominophen, NSAIDs, Midrin, Fioricet, Fiorinal
–Selective serotonin-1 receptor agonists
–Dihydroergotamine (DHE); Migranal nasal spray
–Antiemetics
-
Prophylaxis
–NSAIDs, β-blockers, tricyclic antidepressants,
cyproheptadine, calcium channel blockers,
antiepileptic drugs, biofeedback
-
Cluster headaches
–Treated with inhalation of oxygen; sumatriptan
-
Pseudotumor
–Weight reduction, Diamox
–Optic nerve sheath decompression or shunting
>>
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Nuchal Rigidity:
Treatment
(In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms)
-
Meningitis/encephalitis
–Broad-spectrum antibiotics
–Neurologic checks
–Dexamethasone may improve neurologic outcome and
lower incidence of postmeningitic deafness
-
Subarachnoid hemorrhage
–Immediate neurosurgical evaluation
–Consider MRA/conventional angiography
–Surgical clipping and excision
–Pharmacologic management of cerebral vasospasm
–Nimodipine is often used to prevent delayed ischemia
-
Torticollis: Treat with valium, botulinum toxin type A
-
Adenitis/dental abscess: Antibiotic treatment
-
Injury: Soft collar, NSAIDs
-
Cervical muscle spasms
–Heat, massage, soft cervical collar, analgesics
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: In A Page: Pediatric Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Brudzinski's sign:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
If the patient is alert, ask him about headache, neck pain, nausea, and vision disturbances (blurred or double vision and photophobia) — all indications of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Next, observe the patient for signs and symptoms of increased ICP, such as an altered level of consciousness (LOC) (restlessness, irritability, confusion, lethargy, personality changes, and coma), pupillary changes, bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, irregular respiratory patterns (Cheyne-Stokes or Kussmaul's respirations), vomiting, and moderate fever.
Keep artificial airways, intubation equipment, a handheld resuscitation bag, and suction equipment on hand because the patient's condition may suddenly deteriorate. Elevate the head of his bed 30 to 60 degrees to promote venous drainage. Administer an osmotic diuretic, such as mannitol, to reduce cerebral edema.
Monitor ICP and be alert for ICP that continues to rise. You may have to provide mechanical ventilation and administer a barbiturate and additional doses of a diuretic. Also, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may have to be drained.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Nuchal rigidity:
Emergency interventions
(Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition))
After eliciting nuchal rigidity, attempt to elicit Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s signs. Quickly evaluate the patient’s level of consciousness (LOC). Take his vital signs. If you note signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), such as increased systolic pressure, bradycardia, and a widened pulse pressure, start an I.V. line for drug administration and deliver oxygen as necessary. Keep the head of the bed at least as low as 30 degrees. Draw a specimen for routine blood studies such as a complete blood count with a white blood cell count and electrolyte levels.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Signs & Symptoms (Third Edition), 2006
Encephalitis:
Treatment (Tx)
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Anticonvulsants, acyclovir (if viral), glucocorticoids, mannitol, furosemide, supportive care (mild analgesics, bed rest, seizure precautions)
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Headache:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Depending on the type of headache, analgesics — ranging from aspirin to codeine or meperidine — may provide symptomatic relief. Other measures include identification and elimination of causative factors and, possibly, psychotherapy for headaches caused by emotional stress. Chronic tension headaches may also require muscle relaxants.
For migraine headaches, ergotamine alone or with caffeine may be an effective treatment. The Food and Drug Administration allows labeling of various analgesic preparations that include caffeine to state that they’re for the treatment of migraine headaches. Remember that these medications can’t be taken by pregnant women because they stimulate uterine contractions. These drugs and others, such as metoclopramide or naproxen, work best when taken early in the course of an attack. If nausea and vomiting make oral administration impossible, drugs may be given as rectal suppositories.
Drugs in the class of sumatriptan are considered by many clinicians to be the drug of choice for acute migraine attacks or cluster headaches. Drugs that can help prevent migraine headaches include antidepressants (such as nortriptyline or fluoxetine), beta blockers (propranolol), and calcium-channel blockers (verapamil). Corticosteroids provide short-term relief for some patients with cluster headaches.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Meningitis:
Treatment (Tx)
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
Antibiotics, supportive care (analgesics; bed rest; sedatives, anticonvulsants, and cardiac glycosides, as appropriate)
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Meningococcal infections:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
As soon as meningococcal infection is suspected, treatment begins with high doses of aqueous penicillin G, ampicillin, or ceph-alosporins such as ceftriaxone; or, for the patient who is allergic to penicillin, I.V. chloramphenicol. Therapy may also include mannitol for cerebral edema, I.V. heparin for DIC, dopamine for shock, and digoxin and a diuretic if heart failure develops. Supportive measures include fluid and electrolyte maintenance, ventilation (maintenance of a patent airway and oxygen, if necessary), insertion of an arterial or central venous pressure (CVP) line to monitor cardiovascular status, and bed rest.
Prophylaxis with ciprofloxacin or rifampin aids health care personnel who work in close contact with the patient, such as those administering cardiopulmonary resuscitation or assisting with intubation or suctioning without wearing a surgical mask.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
West Nile encephalitis:
Treatment
(Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition))
There is no specific therapy utilized to treat West Nile encephalitis and no known cure. Treatment is generally aimed at controlling the specific symptoms. Supportive care, such as I.V. fluids, fever control, and respiratory support, is rendered when necessary.
There is no vaccine present to prevent the transmission of West Nile encephalitis. Research trials are underway to determine if ribavirin, an antiviral drug, may be helpful.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Diseases (Eighth Edition), 2005
Brudzinski's sign:
Emergency interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
If the patient is alert, ask him about headache, neck pain, nausea, and vision disturbances (blurred or double vision and photophobia)—all indications of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Next, observe the patient for signs and symptoms of increased ICP, such as an altered level of consciousness (LOC), pupillary changes, bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, irregular respiratory patterns (Cheyne-Stokes or Kussmaul’s respirations), vomiting, and moderate fever.
Keep artificial airways, intubation equipment, a handheld resuscitation bag, and suction equipment on hand because the patient’s condition may suddenly deteriorate. Elevate the head of his bed 30 to 60 degrees to promote venous drainage. Administer an osmotic diuretic, such as mannitol, to reduce cerebral edema.
Be alert for further increases in ICP. You may have to provide mechanical ventilation and administer a barbiturate and additional doses of a diuretic. Also, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may have to be drained.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Nuchal rigidity:
Emergency Interventions
(Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition))
After eliciting nuchal rigidity, attempt to elicit Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s signs. Quickly evaluate level of consciousness (LOC). Take vital signs. If you note signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), such as increased systolic pressure, bradycardia, and widened pulse pressure, start an I.V. line for drug administration and deliver oxygen as necessary, and keep the head of the bed at least as low as 30 degrees. Draw a specimen for routine blood studies such as a complete blood count with a white blood cell count and electrolyte levels.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Professional Guide to Signs & Symptoms (Fifth Edition), 2006
Encephalitis:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
The antiviral agent acyclovir is effective only against herpes encephalitis. Treatment of all other forms of encephalitis is entirely supportive.
Drug therapy includes phenytoin or another anticonvulsant, usually given I.V.; glucocorticoids to reduce cerebral inflammation and edema; furosemide or mannitol to reduce cerebral swelling; sedatives for restlessness; and aspirin or acetaminophen to relieve headache and reduce fever.
Other supportive measures include adequate fluid and electrolyte intake to prevent dehydration and antibiotics for an associated infection such as pneumonia. Isolation is unnecessary.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Headache:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
Depending on the type of headache, treatment interventions range from relaxation techniques, massage, and biofeedback to pharmacologic agents. Tricyclic antidepressants, beta-adrenergic blockers, and anticonvulsants may be prescribed for headache prevention; nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), combination NSAIDs with caffeine, ergotamines, and dopamine antagonists may be used for abortive measures. Narcotic agents are generally avoided or may be limited to twice weekly.
Abortive therapy using the synthetic form of serotonin (sumatriptan) is available in an oral form and as a nasal spray and can easily be carried for immediate use.
Other measures include identification and elimination of causative factors, stressors, or stimuli that might trigger an attack such as in the migraine-type headache. Diet history and examination of lifestyle patterns may help identify causative agents.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
West Nile encephalitis:
Treatment
(Handbook of Diseases)
No specific therapy is used to treat West Nile encephalitis, and no known cure exists. Treatment is generally aimed at controlling the specific symptoms. Supportive care, such as intravenous fluids, fever control, and respiratory support, is rendered when necessary.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Handbook of Diseases, 2003
Kernig's sign:
Nursing considerations
(Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series)
Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as a computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, spinal X-ray, myelography, and lumbar puncture. Closely monitor his vital signs, ICP, and cardiopulmonary and neurologic status. Ensure bed rest, quiet, and minimal stress.
If the patient has a subarachnoid hemorrhage, darken the room and elevate the head of the bed at least 30 degrees to reduce ICP. If he has a herniated disk or spinal tumor, he may require pelvic traction.
Patient teaching
Teach the patient the signs and symptoms of meningitis. Discuss measures to prevent meningitis. Explain the activities that a patient with a herniated disk should avoid. Teach the patient how to apply a back brace or cervical collar, as needed.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Alarming Signs and Symptoms: Lippincott Manual of Nursing Practice Series, 2007
Brudzinski's sign:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If the patient is alert, ask him about headache, neck pain, nausea, and vision disturbances (blurred or double vision and photophobia) — all indications of increased intracranial pressure (ICP). Next, observe the patient for altered level of consciousness (LOC) (restlessness, irritability, confusion, lethargy, personality changes, and coma), pupillary changes, bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, irregular respiratory patterns (Cheyne-Stokes or Kussmaul’s respirations), vomiting, and moderate fever.
Keep artificial airways, intubation equipment, a handheld resuscitation bag, and suction equipment on hand because your patient’s condition may suddenly deteriorate. Elevate the head of his bed 30 to 60 degrees to promote venous drainage. Administer an osmotic diuretic, such as mannitol, to reduce cerebral edema. Monitor and be alert for ICP that continues to rise. You may have to provide mechanical ventilation and administer a barbiturate and additional doses of a diuretic. Also, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) may have to be drained.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Headache:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Teach the patient and his family or caregiver how to recognize signs of reduced LOC and seizures. Discuss ways to maintain a safe, quiet environment and reduce environmental stress, if indicated. Discuss the use of analgesics to ease the headache.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Kernig's sign:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
Teach the patient how to recognize signs and symptoms of meningitis as well as measures to prevent this infection. If the patient has a herniated disk, tell him to avoid activities such as lifting, sleeping prone, climbing stairs, and riding in a car. Show the patient how to apply a back brace or cervical collar, as needed, then have him give a return demonstration.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Nuchal rigidity:
Emergency Actions
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
After eliciting nuchal rigidity, attempt to elicit Kernig’s and Brudzinski’s signs. Quickly evaluate level of consciousness (LOC). Take vital signs. If you note signs of increased intracranial pressure (ICP), such as increased systolic pressure, bradycardia, and widened pulse pressure, start an I.V. line for drug administration and deliver oxygen as necessary, and keep the head of the bed at least as low as 30 degrees. Draw a sample for routine blood studies such as a complete blood count with a white blood cell count and electrolyte levels.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Photophobia:
Patient counseling
(Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses)
If photophobia persists at home, suggest that the patient wear dark glasses. Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as corneal scraping and slit-lamp examination.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Signs & Symptoms: A 2-in-1 Reference for Nurses, 2007
Brudzinski's sign:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Provide constant ICP monitoring and perform frequent neurologic checks.
▪ Monitor vital signs, intake and output, and cardiorespiratory status.
▪ To promote patient comfort, maintain low lights and minimal noise and elevate the head of the bed.
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as blood, urine, and sputum cultures to identify bacteria; lumbar puncture to assess CSF and relieve pressure; and computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, cerebral angiography, and spinal X-rays to locate a hemorrhage.
Patient teaching
▪ Discuss the signs and symptoms of meningitis and subdural hematoma, if these are the cause of Brudzinski's sign.
▪ Advise the patient and his family to seek immediate medical attention if these signs and symptoms occur.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Headache:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Monitor the patient's vital signs and LOC.
▪ Watch for a change in the headache's severity or location.
▪ To help ease the headache, administer an analgesic, darken the patient's room, and minimize other stimuli.
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as skull X-rays, a computed to-mography scan, lumbar puncture, or cerebral arteriography.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain all procedures and treatments to the patient.
▪ Discuss the signs of reduced LOC and seizures that the patient or his caregivers should report.
▪ Explain ways to maintain a safe, quiet environment and reduce environmental stress.
▪ Discuss the proper use of analgesics.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Kernig's sign:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as a computed tomography scan, magnetic resonance imaging, spinal X-ray, myelography, and lumbar puncture.
▪ Closely monitor the patient's vital signs, ICP, and cardiopulmonary and neurologic status.
▪ Ensure bed rest, quiet environment, and minimal stress.
▪ If the patient has a subarachnoid hemorrhage, darken the room and elevate the head of the bed at least 30 degrees to reduce ICP.
▪ If he has a herniated disk or spinal tumor, he may require pelvic traction.
Patient teaching
▪ Teach the patient and his family signs and symptoms of meningitis and treatment.
▪ Discuss ways to prevent meningitis.
▪ Explain activities that the patient with a herniated disk should avoid.
▪ Teach the patient how to apply a back brace or cervical collar as ordered.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Nuchal rigidity:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as computed tomography scans, magnetic resonance imaging, and cervical spinal X-rays.
▪ Monitor the patient's vital signs, intake and output, and neurologic status closely.
▪ Avoid routine administration of opioid analgesics because these may mask signs of increasing ICP.
▪ Enforce strict bed rest; keep the head of the bed elevated at least 30 degrees to help minimize ICP.
Patient teaching
▪ Explain all procedures and diagnostic tests to the patient and his family.
▪ Orient the patient, as appropriate.
▪ Explain the cause of nuccal rigidity and the treatment plan.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
Photophobia:
Nursing considerations
(Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms)
▪ Promote the patient's comfort by darkening the room and telling him to close both eyes. Encourage use of sunglasses.
▪ Prepare the patient for diagnostic tests, such as corneal scraping and slit-lamp examination.
▪ Administer eyedrops and ointments, as ordered.
Patient teaching
▪ Teach the patient how to instill eyedrops or ointments.
▪ Discuss ways to reduce the discomfort of photophobia.
▪ Explain the disorder and treatment plan.
» READ BOOK EXCERPT ONLINE »
Source: Nursing: Interpreting Signs and Symptoms, 2007
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