Bacterial Meningitis In Children

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is bacterial meningitis? Bacterial meningitis is also called spinal meningitis. It is an infection and inflammation (swelling) of the meninges caused by bacteria (germs). Meninges are linings that cover 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. The 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. Bacterial meningitis can be a very serious disease and is more common in children less than two years.

What causes bacterial meningitis? Bacterial meningitis can be caused by different types of bacteria. The bacteria may be found in the ear, mouth, throat, or nose. Your child can become sick if he had contact with a person infected with bacterial meningitis. This disease can spread from an infected person to another by coughing, kissing, or sharing food or drinks. Your child may get meningitis after an ear, nose, throat, sinus, or brain infection. A head injury or head surgery may also spread the infection.

What are the signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis?

• In children over two years, symptoms may be high fever, headache, stiff neck, or neck pain. These symptoms can develop over several hours or it may take 1 to 2 days for symptoms to appear. Other symptoms, such as nausea (upset stomach), vomiting (throwing up), confusion, and sleepiness may also occur. Bright light may bother your child's eyes. Sometimes bruises develop under the skin and spread quickly.
  
  
• Babies may be more fussy and sleepy than usual. Your baby may eat poorly or vomit. As the disease gets worse, your child may have seizures.

How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed? 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.
  
  
• CT scan: This is also called a CAT scan. A special x-ray machine uses a computer to take pictures of your child's body. It may be used to look at your child's bones, muscles, brain, body organs, and blood vessels. Your child may be given dye by mouth or in an IV before the pictures are taken. The dye may help your child's caregiver see the pictures better. People who are allergic to iodine or shellfish (lobster, crab, or shrimp) may be allergic to some dyes. Tell the caregiver if your child is allergic to shellfish, or has other allergies or medical conditions.
  
  
• 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.
  
  
• MRI: This test is called magnetic resonance imaging. During the MRI, 3-D (three-dimensional) pictures are taken of your child's body. An MRI may be used to look at your child's brain, muscles, joints, bones, or blood vessels. Your child will need to lie still during his MRI. Never enter the MRI room with an oxygen tank, wrist watch, or any other metal objects. This can cause serious injury.

How is bacterial meningitis treated? Your child may need 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.
  
  
• 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.

What problems can bacterial meningitis cause?

• Hearing loss.
  
  
• Epilepsy (seizure disorder).
  
  
• Blindness or other eye problems.
  
  
• Heart, kidney, or adrenal gland diseases.
  
  
• Coma.
  
  
• Death.

How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?

• Antibiotics may be given to your child if he has been exposed to someone with bacterial meningitis. Your child may also receive antibiotics if he has a weak immune system.
  
  
• Family members and friends should not share eating or drinking utensils with your child.
  
  
• Have your child vaccinated (get shots) against infections caused by viruses or bacteria. These shots are usually given at 2 to 24 months.
  
  
• Keep your child away from people with bacterial meningitis, flu, or colds.
  
  
• Throw tissues away after your child wipes or blows his nose.
  
  
• Wash your child's hands often with soap and water to prevent spreading or getting the infection.

Where can I get support and more information? Accepting that your child has bacterial meningitis may be hard. You, your child and those close to you may feel scared, sad, or angry. These are normal feelings. Talk to your caregivers, family, or friends about your feelings. Contact the following for more information:

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
  National Center for Infectious Diseases
  Phone: 1-888-4437232
  Web Address: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/
  

• National Institute of Allergies and Infectious Diseases
  NIAID Office of Communications & Public Liaison
  6610 Rockledge Drive, MSC 6612
  Bethesda, Maryland 20892-6612
  Phone: 1-301-496-5717
  Web Address: www3.niaid.nih.gov
  

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.

Link to this page

Printable Version

Email Page