Meningitis

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When to see the doctor

Go to the doctor if:

• your child has an unexplained fever and is generally unwell
• your child complains of a persistent headache, or sore neck, and the light hurts their eyes.

Meningitis can be caused by either a germ or a virus, which gains access to the spinal fluid bathing the brain and spinal cord, and then infects the meninges. The infecting organisms usually enter via the bloodstream.

What are the symptoms?

Meningitis often follows an upper respiratory tract infection. Older children will complain of feeling generally unwell, may have nausea and not feel like eating. A fever is usually present as is extreme tiredness. Although the typical symptoms of meningitis are a headache, sore and stiff neck, vomiting and not being able to look at bright light, these are usually late signs of infection. (Note that many of these symptoms, except for fever, occur in severe migraine too.)

Meningitis is more difficult to diagnose on symptoms alone in younger children and babies, as they cannot tell you that they have a headache or a sore neck. A young child may be off their food, irritable, or listless and drowsy. They may also have a fever. If a very young child is unwell for no obvious reason, meningitis is usually on your doctor’s list of possible diagnoses.

Viral meningitis is usually a milder illness than bacterial meningitis (that caused by a germ).

Is there a test?

Any child suspected of having meningitis should be assessed by a doctor. If there is any doubt, they need to be taken to the emergency room of a hospital. There a lumbar puncture (spinal tap) is performed, to exclude or confirm the diagnosis and determine which organisms are involved. Blood tests may be taken at the same time.

How is it treated?

Children with meningitis are admitted to hospital for treatment with antibiotics given intravenously initially, and then by mouth. Treatment usually lasts for 10 days. There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis, but supportive measures such as the administration of fluids, paracetamol for headache and control of temperature are of immense importance. Most children who suffer from viral meningitis make a complete recovery.

Children with bacterial meningitis usually make a complete recovery if it is diagnosed early and treatment is begun promptly. If the diagnosis is delayed, there is a greater chance of permanent disabilities, such as hearing impairment or epilepsy.

How can I prevent it?

Free immunisation is available for several different causes of meningitis.

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