Complications of Meningitis in Children

Meningitis is a diseased condition, characterized by an inflammation in the meninges; the outer covering membranes of the brain and the spinal cord. It is also referred to as spinal meningitis. Meningitis can occur in children and/or any age group. Children below two years, especially newborns and 8 month old babies, are at higher risk to meningitis. It is because of the fact that the immune system of children below two years is not fully developed.

In majority of meningitis cases in children, inflammation is caused due to infection by bacteria, viruses and other disease causing microorganisms. Very rarely, meningitis is caused as a side effect of medications and due to other medical complications like ear infection and head injury. Hence, those children who are frequently exposed to infections and those with a weakened immune-system are more prone to developing meningitis.

Complications of Meningitis in Children

Meningitis in children are usually life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Early signs depend on the age of the child and the cause; usually symptoms become obvious after 2-4 days of infection. Treatment of meningitis is essential, as untreated meningitis in children may lead to certain long-term health problems, and even death. Let's take a look at the symptoms and complications of meningitis in children.

Newborns and infants with meningitis infection often show restlessness, irritability and lethargy. Other symptoms are neck stiffness, mild fever, loss of appetite, jaundice, spasm and bulging of fontanelle (soft spot on the top portion of the skull). Early symptoms of meningitis in children (above one year) are more or less similar to those of infected newborns and infants. Symptoms include nasal congestion, common cold, nausea, fever, confusion, painful neck, skin rash, vomiting and diarrhea.

Meningitis infections are potentially dangerous as symptoms spread rapidly. Very often, symptoms are confused with other medical problems. Viral meningitis, though more common than bacterial meningitis, causes mild symptoms and can be treated easily. Bacterial meningitis is more fatal and difficult to treat. Following are the complications of bacterial meningitis in children:

• Learning disability
• Loss of hearing (deafness)
• Eye diseases
• Blindness
• Paralysis
• Epilepsy
• Seizures
• Brain damage
• Meningococcemia (infection in bloodstream, causing blue spots on skin)
• Kidney failure
• Nervous system disorders

Meningitis in children is diagnosed by conducting a lumbar puncture procedure. In this technique, a specific portion of the spinal area is frozen. The spinal fluid is collected by inserting a hollow needle in the area between the spinal bones. The spinal fluid is then examined for presence of bacteria, viruses and other organisms.

Correct diagnosis is very essential, as meningitis treatment differs based on the cause of the disease. Close supervision is always advisable, as the child may not be able to communicate properly. It is to be noted that meningitis infections are contagious, and can spread either through direct contact or respiratory secretions; especially, if caused by certain organisms like meningococcus and Haemophilus influenza. Hence, proper care should be taken, so as to avoid exposure of the child to such infections.

The infected child should be given plenty of juices to drink. For prevention of bacterial meningitis, appropriate vaccination should be given by consulting a qualified physician. Preventive measures like oral antibiotics should also be taken by the family members, relatives and/or caretakers.