A 50-year-old with suspected meningitis has fever, neck stiffness, and photophobia. No focal deficits, normal immunity. Next step?...

Question

A 50-year-old with suspected meningitis has fever, neck stiffness, and photophobia. No focal deficits, normal immunity. Next step?

Accepted Answer

Empiric antibiotics after LP; no CT needed

Answer

CT head first, then LP

Answer

Observe for 24 hours

Answer

Delay antibiotics until cultures return

Answer

Steroids are contraindicated

us-abem MCQ (SBA): Bacterial Meningitis