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).

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your child's care. Learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. Discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers to decide what care you want for your child.

RISKS:

Your child may become very sick with bacterial meningitis. Your child's brain may swell and he could have seizures (convulsions). If your child does not get early treatment, he may have brain and other organ damages. He may have hearing, seeing, talking, or learning problems. If left untreated, bacterial meningitis may cause paralysis or death. The risks of serious problems or death are less if you follow your caregiver's advice. Talk to your child's caregiver if you are worried or have questions about your child's disease, medicine, or care.

WHILE YOU ARE HERE:

Informed consent:

A consent form is a legal document that explains the tests, treatments, or procedures that your child may need. Informed consent means you understand what will be done and can make decisions about what you want. You give your permission when you sign the consent form. You can have someone sign this form for you if you are not able to sign it. You have the right to understand your child's medical care in words you know. Before you sign the consent form, understand the risks and benefits of what will be done to your child. Make sure all of your questions are answered.

Emotional support:

Stay with your child for comfort and support as often as possible while he is in the hospital. Ask another family member or someone close to the family to stay with your child when you cannot be there. Bring items from home that will comfort your child, such as a favorite blanket or toy.

Isolation:

Your child may be in isolation if he has an infection or disease that he can spread to others. Caregivers and visitors may need to wear gloves, a face mask, and a gown. Everyone should wash their hands before and after visiting your child.

Medicines:

Your child may have one or more of the following:

• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to help prevent or treat an infection caused by bacteria.
  
  
• Anticonvulsant medicine: Anticonvulsants are given to control your child's seizures.
  
  
• Anti-nausea medicine: This medicine may be given to calm your child's stomach and control vomiting (throwing up).
  
  
• Ibuprofen or acetaminophen: Ibuprofen or acetaminophen are over-the-counter medicines that may decrease 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.
  
  
• Steroids: Steroid medicine may be given to your child to decrease inflammation (swelling). This medicine can help your child feel better but may also have side effects. Be sure you understand why your child needs steroids.

Tests:

Your child may have one or more of the following tests:

• Blood tests: Your child may need blood tests to give caregivers information about how his body is working. The blood may be taken from your child's arm, hand, finger, foot, heel, or IV.
  
  
• Lumbar puncture: This procedure may also be called a spinal tap. A small needle is placed into your child's lower back. Fluid will be removed from around your child's spinal cord and sent to the lab for tests. The test is done to check for bleeding around your child's brain and spinal cord, and for infection. This procedure may also be done to take pressure off your child's brain and spinal cord, or to give medicine. Your child may need to be held in place so that he does not move during the procedure.
  
  
• Neurologic signs: These are also called neuro signs, neuro checks, or neuro status. A caregiver may check your child's eyes, memory, and how easily your child wakes up. The strength of your child's arms, hands, legs, and feet may also be checked. These signs may tell caregivers how your child's brain is working.

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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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