Question

A patient with meningitis has seizures, cranial nerve (CN) III palsy, and bradycardia. What is the most likely cause for the development of these symptoms?

-Cerebral abscess

-Subdural effusion

-Acute cerebral edema

-Increased intracranial pressure

Answer 1

Increased intracranial pressure due to the inflammation caused by meningitis is the most likely cause of the patient's seizures, CN III palsy, and bradycardia.

Step-by-step explanation:

The patient with meningitis, presenting symptoms of seizures, cranial nerve (CN) III palsy, and bradycardia, is most likely experiencing these symptoms due to increased intracranial pressure. The inflammation of the meninges, which occurs in meningitis, can lead to the accumulation of excess fluid and swelling within the cranial cavity, causing a rise in intracranial pressure. This pressure can result in the compression of brain tissues and cranial nerves, specifically CN III, leading to its palsy and affecting ocular movement and pupil constriction. The increased intracranial pressure can also impact the brainstem, where the vagus nerve originates, potentially leading to bradycardia. This scenario does not typically occur with cerebral abscess, subdural effusion or acute cerebral edema in the context of meningitis.