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| | [[Central Nervous System Inflammation Overview]] | | [[Central Nervous System Inflammation Overview]] |
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| − | ==Introduction==
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| − | * Although the CNS is well protected, its defences against organisms that have already invaded are less well developed. This is due to:
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| − | *# Minimal antibody production
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| − | *# Cerebrospinal fluid providing a good culture medium for invading organisms.
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| − | *# Inflammatory cell, antibody and drug entry to the CNS being impeded by the blood-brain barrier.
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| − | ===Classification of Inflammation===
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| − | * CNS inflammation may manifest as encephalitis or meningitis.
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| − | ** These often co-exist.
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| − | * The aetiology CNS inflammation may be:
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| − | ** Infectious
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| − | *** Bacteria
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| − | *** Fungi
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| − | *** Protozoa
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| − | *** Viruses or non-infectious.
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| − | *** Infectious agents vary geographically.
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| − | ** Non-infectious
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| − | *** No infectious cause can be found in 60% of meningitis cases.
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| − | * Inflammation may also be broadly classified based on the nature of the exudate present.
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| − | ** '''Fibrinous'''
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| − | *** Caused by bacteria infection (including ''Mycoplasma'').
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| − | ** '''Suppurative'''
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| − | *** Caused by bacteria and fungi.
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| − | ** '''Granulomatous'''
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| − | *** Caused by bacteria or fungi.
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| − | ** '''Lymphoplasmacytic'''
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| − | *** Caused by viruses.
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| − | ** '''Haemorrhagic'''
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| − | *** This is rare.
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| − | *** Usually associated with septicemia or infarcts.
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| − | ==Clinical Signs of CNS Inflammation==
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| − | * Signs often reflect multiple levels of neurological involvement.
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| − | * Generalised [[Forebrain Disease - Pathology#Clinical Signs|forebrain signs]] are seen.
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| − | * Neck pain may be seen alone, or with other signs.
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| − | ==Diagnosis==
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| − | * History, physical and neurological examination.
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| − | * Fundic examination may give clues as to whether a systemic infection is present.
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| − | * CSF examination may help define the problem.
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| − | ==Treatment==
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| − | * Treatment is directed at a specific cause, if one can be found.
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| − | ** If a cause cannot be found, trimethoprim, clindamycin or doxycycline plus or minus corticosteroids may be used.
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| − | [[Category:Central Nervous System - Inflammatory Pathology]]
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| | [[Central Nervous System Infectious Inflammation]] | | [[Central Nervous System Infectious Inflammation]] |