Consumer Information

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. To help with this plan, you must learn about your child's health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your child's caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat 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: You have the right to understand your child's health condition in words that you know. You should be told what tests, treatments, or procedures may be done to treat your child's condition. Your child's caregiver should also tell you about the risks and benefits of each treatment. You may be asked to sign a consent form that gives your child's caregivers permission to do certain tests, treatments, or procedures. If you are unable to give your consent, someone who has permission can sign this form for you. A consent form is a legal piece of paper that tells exactly what will be done to your child. Before giving your consent, make sure all your questions have been answered so that you understand what may happen to your child.

Emotional support: You may stay with your child for comfort and support. Your child may need to stay in the hospital for more than a day. Ask caregivers if another family member can stay with your child when you cannot be there. Bring in something from home that your child likes. Your child may like to have his favorite blanket, toy, or clothing with him.

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. They should wash their hands before and after visiting your child to keep from spreading germs. Your child may be scared in isolation. Ask caregivers about the best ways to comfort your child while he is in isolation.

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

Antibiotics: Antibiotics may be given to help your child fight an infection caused by a germ called 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 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.
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 taken for tests. The blood may be taken from your child's arm, hand, finger, foot, heel, or IV. Blood tests can give caregivers more information about your child's health condition. Your child may need to have blood drawn more than once.
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.

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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