Acute Meningitis

Music to “Amazing Grace” by John Newton, Lyrics by Arie Perry, M.D.    

Acute meningitis is a dangerous disease
Bacteremia spreads into the brain
Through cerebrospinal fluid of the subarachnoid space
Patients at risk vary with bacterial strain

It starts with plexitis and moves on down the spine
With meningismus from irritation by the pus
Vasculitis and neuropathy congealed within the mire
Infarcts and deafness are the threats to each of us

Organization over time yields complications that are prime
Such as seizures, IQ loss, learning deficits
Mycotic aneurysms bleed, as the organisms breed
As well as hydrocephalus if drainage is on the fritz

Acute meningitis requires urgent care
A spinal tap should be done emergently
Check the gram stain with due haste, quickly treat, no time to waste
Early antibiotics is the key
Early antibiotics is the key