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A Case of Ketorolac-Induced Aseptic Meningitis
Lauren Shahin1,2, Azjaah Rogers1, Leroy Swain3
1Family Medicine, Broward Health Medical Center, Fort Lauderdale, USA.
Abstract:
Drug-induced aseptic meningitis is a rare condition that occurs because of an adverse reaction to medications such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and antibiotics. Unlike bacterial or viral meningitis, aseptic meningitis is not caused by an infection, but rather by an inflammatory response. This condition creates a challenge since patients with aseptic meningitis often present with classic clinical meningeal symptoms, including fever, headache, and neck stiffness. We present a case of a patient with NSAID-induced aseptic meningitis and highlight the importance for healthcare providers to have a high index of suspicion for drug-induced aseptic meningitis in patients presenting with symptoms of meningitis with negative cerebrospinal fluid analysis and culture.
Insights
Drug-induced aseptic meningitis, an inflammatory reaction to medications like NSAIDs, mimics infectious meningitis. Early suspicion is key for diagnosis when CSF analysis is negative.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Pharmacology
- Immunology
Background:
- Drug-induced aseptic meningitis is a rare adverse drug reaction.
- It presents with symptoms similar to infectious meningitis, posing diagnostic challenges.
Observation:
- Patients often exhibit fever, headache, and neck stiffness.
- Cerebrospinal fluid analysis and culture results are typically negative for infection.
Findings:
- A case of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced aseptic meningitis is presented.
- Highlights the inflammatory, non-infectious nature of this condition.
Implications:
- Healthcare providers need a high index of suspicion for drug-induced aseptic meningitis.
- Prompt recognition is crucial for appropriate patient management and avoiding unnecessary antimicrobial treatment.
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