Canadian Medical Guide > Diseases > Bacterial Infections and Mycoses > Bacterial Infections > Central Nervous System Bacterial Infections Terms and Definitions




Central Nervous System Bacterial Infections

Medical Definition: Bacterial infections of the brain, spinal cord, and meninges, including infections involving the perimeningeal spaces.
Guide Notes: coord IM with precoord bacterial infection (IM) and specific site/dis term (IM) if pertinent; DF: CNS BACT INFECT
Previously Indexed: Brain Abscess (1965-1999),Brain Diseases (1966-1999),Meningitis (1967-1999)
Central Nervous System Bacterial Infections Categories.
Canadian Medical Guide Definition Brain Abscess - A circumscribed collection of purulent exudate in the brain, due to bacterial and other infections. The majority are caused by spread of infected material from a focus of suppuration elsewhere in the body, notably the PARANASAL SINUSES, middle ear (see EAR, MIDDLE), HEART (see also ENDOCARDITIS, BACTERIAL), and LUNG. Penetrating CRANIOCEREBRAL TRAUMA and NEUROSURGICAL PROCEDURES may also be associated with this condition. Clinical manifestations include HEADACHE, SEIZURES, focal neurologic deficits, and alterations of consciousness. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp712-6)
Canadian Medical Guide Definition Empyema, Subdural - An intracranial or rarely intraspinal suppurative process invading the space between the inner surface of the DURA MATER and the outer surface of the ARACHNOID. Bacteria and other pathogenic organisms may gain entrance to the subdural space from the FRONTAL SINUS; ETHMOID SINUS; middle ear (EAR, MIDDLE); MASTOID; or as the result of CRANIOCEREBRAL TRAUMA or NEUROSURGICAL PROCEDURES. This condition may be associated with intracranial sinus thrombosis (SINUS THROMBOSIS, INTRACRANIAL). Circumscribed collections of purulent material in the subdural space are referred to as subdural abscesses. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p709)
Canadian Medical Guide Definition Epidural Abscess - Circumscribed collections of suppurative material occurring in the spinal or intracranial EPIDURAL SPACE. The majority of epidural abscesses occur in the spinal canal and are associated with OSTEOMYELITIS of a vertebral body; ANALGESIA, EPIDURAL; and other conditions. Clinical manifestations include local and radicular pain, weakness, sensory loss, URINARY INCONTINENCE, and FECAL INCONTINENCE. Cranial epidural abscesses are usually associated with OSTEOMYELITIS of a cranial bone, SINUSITIS, or OTITIS MEDIA. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p710 and pp1240-1; J Neurol Neurosurg Psychiatry 1998 Aug;65(2):209-12)
Canadian Medical Guide Definition Lyme Neuroborreliosis - Nervous system infections caused by tick-borne spirochetes of the BORELLIA BORGDORFERI GROUP. The disease may affect elements of the central or peripheral nervous system in isolation or in combination. Common clinical manifestations include a lymphocytic meningitis, cranial neuropathy (most often a facial neuropathy), POLYRADICULOPATHY, and a mild loss of memory and other cognitive functions. Less often more extensive inflammation involving the central nervous system (encephalomyelitis) may occur. In the peripheral nervous system, B. burgdorferi infection is associated with mononeuritis multiplex and polyradiculoneuritis. (From J Neurol Sci 1998 Jan 8;153(2):182-91)
Canadian Medical Guide Definition Meningitis, Bacterial - Bacterial infections of the leptomeninges and subarachnoid space, frequently involving the cerebral cortex, cranial nerves, cerebral blood vessels, spinal cord, and nerve roots. The type of causative organism varies with age and clinical status (e.g., post-operative, immunodeficient, or post-traumatic states). Clinical manifestations include the acute onset of fever, stiff neck, altered mentation, seizures, and focal neurologic deficits. Death may occur within 24 hours of disease onset. Pathologic features include a purulent exudate in the subarachnoid space, and diffuse inflammation of neural and vascular structures. (From Joynt, Clinical Neurology, 1994, Ch24, pp1-5)
Canadian Medical Guide Definition Neurosyphilis - Infections of the central nervous system caused by TREPONEMA PALLIDUM which present with a variety of clinical syndromes. The initial phase of infection usually causes a mild or asymptomatic meningeal reaction. The meningovascular form may present acutely as BRAIN INFARCTION. The infection may also remain subclinical for several years. Late syndromes include general paresis; TABES DORSALIS; meningeal syphilis; syphilitic OPTIC ATROPHY; and spinal syphilis. General paresis is characterized by progressive DEMENTIA; DYSARTHRIA; TREMOR; MYOCLONUS; SEIZURES; and Argyll-Robertson pupils. (Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp722-8)

Central Nervous System Bacterial Infections Medical Definitions and Terms

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