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Kamala Harris' patient profile.

In our "Disease" course this winter term, we delved into the fascinating world of disease identification and classification, focusing on various body systems and their responses to illness. To deepen our understanding, we visited the Museum of Science and Industry’s "YOU!" exhibit, where we saw real human specimens and observed the "Exploded Man," a powerful display of anatomy in three dimensions. This visit set the stage for our Action Project (AP), in which we each created a fictional patient diagnosed with a specific disease, detailing its effects on the body systems through a visual representation. My project centered around spinal meningitis, including a patient profile and a narrative of the diagnosis and treatment.

Patient Profile

  • Patient Name: Kamala Harris
  • Age: 58
  • Height: 5'2"
  • Weight: 130.07 lbs
  • Diagnosis: Spinal Meningitis
  • Onset Date/Time: January 22nd, 5:30 am

Symptoms:

Kamala presented with severe headaches, neck pain, high fever (103.2°F), nausea, tachycardia, chronic upper back pain, and other debilitating symptoms, indicating a serious infection. Her medical history included Type 2 diabetes, pneumonia, and streptococcal pharyngitis.


Meningitis is a condition characterized by swelling of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, typically caused by a bacterial or viral infection of the fluid in that area. The disease can spread through contact with infected bodily fluids, contaminated surfaces, or breathing in respiratory droplets. Meningococcal meningitis is a specific type of meningitis caused by the bacterium Neisseria meningitidis.

The onset of bacterial meningitis is caused by the introduction of bacteria into the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord, leading to an inflammation of the tissues. This is more likely to occur in young infants, young adults aged 16-21, college students in crowded living conditions, and adults with medical conditions such as lacking a spleen. Although it is not a common occurrence, with only a few hundred thousand cases reported annually in the US, it is still considered a serious public health issue globally with an estimated rate of incidence that is difficult to determine. The cause of Kamala's meningitis remains unknown.

Below is an illustration of what body parts spinal meningitis affects: 


Visual Representation

In my illustration, I depicted the three main body areas affected by spinal meningitis:

  • Brain: Meningitis impacts the brain by inflaming the meninges and can cause symptoms like headache, confusion, and even seizures.
  • Lungs: As a respiratory virus can be a source of infection, I illustrated how inhaled droplets can lead to bloodstream contamination.
  • Spinal Cord: The spinal cord is where the infected fluid resides, which intensifies pain and other neurological symptoms.

Case Analysis

Spinal meningitis occurs due to inflammation of the protective membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, most often from a bacterial or viral infection. In Kamala’s case, her diagnosis was confirmed through a spinal tap, which revealed infected spinal fluid under microscopic examination. She was prescribed antibiotics such as Ceftriaxone, Meropenem, and Cefepime to combat the infection, as well as Dexamethasone, a steroid, to manage inflammation.

Understanding Spinal Meningitis

Meningitis is a serious condition caused by bacterial or viral infections that inflame the meninges, the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. This infection can spread via contact with bodily fluids or respiratory droplets, especially in close living quarters. Meningococcal meningitis, a specific bacterial form, presents a higher risk for individuals in college dorms, the elderly, or those with certain medical conditions. Though it’s relatively rare, meningitis is a public health issue with potentially fatal outcomes if untreated.

Reflection

This project was both challenging and enlightening. Researching spinal meningitis felt personal, as I’ve experienced this disease myself. It was rewarding to create a patient profile and dive into the etiology, epidemiology, and treatment process for this condition. Through this AP, I gained a new understanding of how diseases like meningitis can be managed and treated, which was empowering. While I enjoyed exploring the science, hand-drawing the anatomy was a challenge due to my limited artistic skills, but it added a personal touch to the project.

Thank you for reading—I hope you found my patient profile and insights informative!

Works Cited

  1. Johnson, Cort. “Spinal Stenosis, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (ME/CFS) and Fibromyalgia: The Spinal Series #3.” Health Rising, 30 May 2019.
  2. “Meningitis.” Johns Hopkins Medicine, 19 Nov. 2019.
  3. “Meningitis - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, 27 Jan. 2023.
  4. “Meningitis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic.
  5. “Meningococcal Meningitis.” National Organization for Rare Disorders, 12 Jan. 2023.
  6. Nau, R. “Pathophysiology of Bacterial Meningitis.” International Journal of Infectious Diseases, 1 Mar. 2010.
  7. NHS website. “Meningitis.” nhs.uk, 31 Oct. 2022.

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