Meningitis is an infection of the covering of the brain and the spinal cord. The two forms of meningitis are viral meningitis which is not life threatening and usually clears up in a week while bacterial meningitis is really dangerous and life threatening. Bacterial meningitis is dangerous because it can be fatal, it can develop quickly in just several hours and can turn into some form of blood poisoning which can result to extensive damage to the body and even death.
You really need a doctor to make the diagnosis whether a child has viral or bacterial meningitis. The earlier the diagnosis is made the better is the outcome for the child. That is why you need to observe your child closely and if you discover any of the symptoms, you better consult your doctor fast so that appropriate testing is made to confirm and proper treatment is initiated immediately.
Symptoms of Spinal Meningitis in Children
Viral meningitis is common although it can be life threatening since the resistance ability of children is much lower than the adults. Symptoms of viral meningitis in children can include fever which is the leading symptom of viral meningitis. At the start, fever is quite mild and it can go up and this fever can bring complications which cam be a real threat to the health of the kids.
Another symptom prominent with viral meningitis is that child gets easily tired when doing physical activities. They constantly feel sleepy and they lack the interest for their day to day activity. You can also observe skin rash and it can appear in any part of the body. Children with viral meningitis also experience frequent headache, this is a result of the inflammation of the fluid in the brain. And of course not to forget stiff neck. Is one pronounced symptoms of viral meningitis.
Viral meningitis symptoms is quite similar with bacterial meningitis. Although bacterial meningitis symptoms may be more serious and needs immediate medical attention. Other bacterial meningitis symptoms in children includes fever, does not like bright lights, headache, kidney failure, epilepsy, behavior problems, clumsiness and vomiting. Bacterial meningitis can be effectively treated with antibiotics and also early diagnosis is very important. In worst scenarios, bacterial meningitis can result to brain injury, permanent deafness and even death. That is why if you have any doubts then consult your doctor as early as possible, know that meningitis can have the same symptoms as flu in its early stage.
A recent study showed that fifty percent of children who survive bacterial meningitis have problems with their behavior. They encounter persistent intellectual, behavioral or any other complications (Pediatric Infectious Disease Journal 2011). That is why as much as possible preventing such kind of disease is very important. Check out all the vaccine available and make sure that your child is protected.