ICP vs meningitis

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how do you rule out / diagnose/differentiate person with meningitis and increased ICP. isnt there a test for the CSF?

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Yes there is a test which measures the pressure in the csf but I can't remember what its called, i think it might be ventricular puncture. its used to determine icp. i know this probably doesn't help but i watched something on discovery health about it.

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I mean there are symptoms that are similar between the two..like the Kernig's and Brudzinki's signs. But you can have subarachnoid monitors, ventriculostomy, etc etc that measure your ICP. And with increased ICP, you usually get the Cushing's triad(bradycardia, widened pulse pressure, and respiratory issues). You can do a lumbar puncture to test for bacteria or something known to cause meningitis. The fluid should be straw colored or clear..it's usually cloudy with meningitis.

The thing about meningitis is...it's not always a bacteria or virus like some people think. Increased ICP from a tumor or head injury can cause meningeal irritation and result in inflammation(hence the name meningitis). Does that help a little?

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thank you!

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Specializes in MSN, FNP-BC.

I've seen this in the Neruo ICU where a doctor did a lumbar puncture and then measured the pressure using a device that looked like a really long skinny chemistry tube. At this time, they also took samples of the CSF to see what needed to be done. This person had increased ICP along with an infection (not meningitis...can't remember the name....it's been a few months since I've been there).

As far as differentiating between the two, I'd have to go review my books to remember.

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