Meningitis | Cases

CASE HISTORY

14 year old girl admitted to hospital with 24 hour history of fever, increasing headache associated with 6 episodes of vomiting in evening. She has developed photophobia. Also feels generally unwell with myalgia.

GP visited and gave IM penicillin as meningitis considered the most likely diagnosis. GP arranged transfer to hospital by 999 ambulance

QUESTIONS ON CASE 6

Q 2 of 10: GP action appropriate?

Yes <correct

CORRECT : British National Formulary, issue 51: Important. If bacterial meningitis and especially if meningococcal disease is suspected, general practitioners are advised to give a single injection of benzylpenicillin by intravenous injection (or by intramuscular injection) before transferring the patient urgently to hospital.
http://www.bnf.org/bnf/bnf/current/3708.htm

Further Information

Thompson MJ, Ninis N, Perera R, Mayon-White R, Phillips C, Bailey L, Harnden A, Mant D, Levin M. Clinical recognition of meningococcal disease in children and adolescents. Lancet. Feb 2006;367(9508):397-403.
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CASE HISTORY

QUESTIONS ON CASE 6

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