Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 22, 2026
09:14
Pre-Chiasmatic, Single Injection of Autologous Blood to Induce Experimental Subarachnoid Hemorrhage in a Rat Model
Published on: June 18, 2021
[A case of meningitis complicated by brainstem infarction]
Satoru Takeuchi1, Yoshio Takasato, Hiroyuki Masaoka
1Department of Neurosurgery, National Hospital Organization Disaster Medical Center, 3256 Midori-cho, Tachikawa-shi, Tokyo 190-0014, Japan.
No Shinkei Geka. Neurological Surgery
|June 16, 2009
Summary
This case report details a rare instance of meningitis leading to brainstem infarction in a previously healthy woman. Despite treatment, the patient developed tetraplegia, highlighting potential complications of meningitis.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Meningitis can present with diverse neurological complications.
- Brainstem infarction is an uncommon but severe sequela.
Observation:
- A 64-year-old female presented with fever and headache, diagnosed with meningitis.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis revealed significant pleocytosis and low glucose.
- Brain imaging showed acute hydrocephalus, progressing to tetraplegia and brainstem infarction.
Findings:
- Magnetic resonance imaging confirmed infarction in the pons and medulla oblongata.
- Cerebral artery narrowing was observed, normalizing two months post-admission.
- The patient experienced persistent tetraplegia eight months after admission.
Implications:
- This case underscores the potential for severe vascular complications in meningitis.
- Vasculitis or brain edema are hypothesized as causes of brainstem infarction.
- Highlights the need for vigilant neurological monitoring in meningitis patients.
Related Concept Videos
01:22Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction
Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
01:24Bacterial Meningitis
Bacterial meningitis is a severe infectious disease involving inflammation of the meninges, the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It occurs when pathogenic bacteria cross the blood–brain barrier and enter the cerebrospinal fluid. Common causative organisms include Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae type b, Listeria monocytogenes, and Escherichia coli K1. The exact route of entry varies by pathogen and host condition.Routes of Entry...
01:26Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...
01:26Brain Abscess l: Introduction
A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial infections,...
01:18Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
01:19Encephalitis l: Introduction
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...