Bacterial Meningitis In Children

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Bacterial meningitis is also called spinal meningitis. It is an infection and inflammation (swelling) of the meninges caused by bacteria (germs). Meninges are linings around the brain and spinal cord. Normally, the meninges serve as a wall between the blood and the brain and spinal cord. The meninges prevent germs and other substances from entering the brain and spinal cord. With meningitis, bacteria enter and damage the meninges. Fluid in the brain gets infected which causes inflammation. Because of the inflammation, blood flow is decreased to the brain and there is increased pressure in your child's head.
  
  
• Your child can become sick if he had contact with a person infected with bacterial meningitis. Common signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis are fever, headache, stiff neck, and sleepiness. Your child may eat or drink poorly, vomit (throw up), or have a seizure (convulsion). Bacterial meningitis is diagnosed by a lumbar puncture, blood tests, and a computerized tomography (CT) scan. Treatment may include antibiotic medicine. Bacterial meningitis may be prevented by getting a vaccination (shot).

AFTER YOU LEAVE:

Medicines:

• Keep a list of your child's medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines your child takes, the amounts, and when and why they are taken. Bring the list of your child's medicines or the medicine bottles when you visit your child's caregivers. Ask your child's caregiver for more information about the medicines. Do not give any medicines to your child without first asking your child's caregiver. This includes prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements.
  
  
• Give your child's medicine as directed: Always give your child's medicine as directed by his caregivers. Call your child's caregiver if you think your child's medicines are not helping. Call if you feel your child is having side effects. Do not quit giving the medicines to your child until you discuss it with your child's caregiver.
  
  
• Do not give aspirin to children under 18 years of age: Giving aspirin to your child when he is ill may cause a very serious illness called Reye's Syndrome. This could lead to brain and liver damage. Read medicine labels to see if your child's medicine has aspirin in it.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight infection caused by bacteria. Give this medicine as ordered until it is all gone, even if your child feels better. Stopping an antibiotic without the caregiver's OK may make it unable to kill the bacteria causing the infection. Tell a caregiver if your child is allergic to antibiotics.
  
  
• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are over-the-counter medicines that may help your child's pain and fever. Ask your child's caregiver to tell you the right amount of medicine to give to your child, and how often to give it.

Ask your child's caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you and your child may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your child's next visit.

Home care:

• Rest: Your child should rest as much as possible and get plenty of sleep. Have your child rest in a dark, quiet room if he still has headaches. Your child may slowly return to normal activity when he seems ready. Once your child feels better, he can do all the things he normally does.
  
  
• Keep your child away from people who have colds and the flu. Also try to keep your child away from large groups of people while he is recovering from surgery. This decreases your child's chance of getting sick or getting an infection.
  
  
• Keep your child away from others. Try to keep your child away from others while he has a fever and feels bad. While your child is sick, he may be contagious (able to spread his sickness). Do not send your child to school or daycare until his fever is gone and he is feeling better.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever (increased body temperature).
  
  
• Your child's skin is itchy, swollen, or has a rash.
  
  
• You have any questions or concerns about your child's disease, medicine, or care.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• Your child has a fever, stiff neck, or a headache.
  
  
• Your child is fussy, sleepy, or seems confused.
  
  
• Your child has a seizure (convulsion).
  
  
• Your child is vomiting and has signs of dehydration (loss of body fluids). Signs of dehydration include crying without tears or passing little to no urine.
  
  
• Your child has breathing problems.
  
  
• Your child's symptoms are getting worse or coming back.

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

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