Eating Disorders: The Role Of Meningitis In Children

Meninges are protective covering layers of the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation and infection of these layers is called Meningitis.
Presentation and symptoms vary with age and can be different. Young children present with high fever, vomiting, headache and a dislike for light. Newborn babies can present with either irritability and inconsolable crying or being too sleepy and not waking up for feeds along with high fever. If left untreated the condition can progress to deteriorating consciousness and even death. Delay in treatment may result in permanent damage like deafness or blindness. Hence these symptoms should be taken seriously and medical advice sought immediately. Meningitis is caused by infective organisms such as bacteria and viruses. Accordingly, it is classified as Bacterial or Viral Meningitis. Common bacteria causing meningitis are E Coli, Neisseria meningitides, Streptococcus pneumoniae and H influenzae. Common viruses causing meningitis are herpes virus, adeno virus, enterovirus etc. In children or young adults who have weak immune system this can be caused by fungus and atypical organisms such as Mycoplasma. In India meningitis due to tuberculosis is also common and should be strongly suspected if symptoms are slow in onset and …show more content…
They usually undergo some tests which includes a lumbar puncture test. The latter involves inserting a needle in the back to sample some fluid from around the spinal cord. This fluid is tested in the laboratory for any evidence of infection. Sometimes the doctor may decide to do a CT scan of the brain before performing a lumbar puncture. Viral meningitis may improve with supportive treatment. Bacterial meningitis needs to be treated with antibiotic injections. This may need to be continued for up to two weeks. Tubercular meningitis is treated with special antibiotics which may need to be taken for nine months or even