1/3. optic neuritis complicating west nile virus meningitis in a young adult.A case of west nile virus (WNV) infection with meningitis and optic neuritis in a 28-year-old man is presented. The patient had a number of unusual clinical and laboratory findings that broadened the differential diagnosis. The emergence of WNV infection in southern europe and north america calls for increased awareness of physicians to this clinical entity.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
2/3. case reports of viral meningitis/encephalitis.The purpose of this paper is to present three case reports of patients who presented to a local hospital in Northern louisiana with symptoms of viral meningitis and encephalitis. It also updates physicians on the signs and symptoms of persons infected with west nile virus (WNV), a new and emerging infection in the Western Hemisphere. Beginning in June 2002, persons in louisiana, particularly the southern part of the state, started presenting to health facilities with symptoms of infection with the WNV. By August 2002, persons in the northern part of the state were also experiencing symptoms that include neurologic presentations of the disease. After completing recommended diagnostic measures for possible infection with flaviviruses, the three cases presented here were positive for viral meningitis/encephalitis. Beginning in June 2002, the state experienced an outbreak of WNV of epidemic proportions. Consequently, clinicians need to be mindful of the symptoms, diagnostic measures, treatment, prevention, and reporting of meningitis/encephalitis.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |
3/3. Neurologic evaluation of the patient with acute bacterial meningitis.Major advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of bacterial meningitis have been made in the past decade. It is likely that interventional strategies that mediate the effects of vasoactive metabolites and neuronal and glial toxins will improve the outcome of patients with meningitis as well as other neurologic disorders. Of critical importance, as demonstrated in the case history, is the realization that many of the serious complications of meningitis occur very early in the course of the disease. If new treatment strategies are to be effective, they should be started as soon as possible. Emerging technologies such as proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy may be of benefit in helping physicians decide which patients require treatment.- - - - - - - - - - ranking = 1keywords = physician (Clic here for more details about this article) |