Meningitis Symptoms in Children

The conditions which govern inflammation like pain, swelling and redness are now included under the class of non specific immune response. According to medical research professionals, meningitis is capable of causing temporary and permanent damage to the brain. It also leads to several neurological problems which can result in the death of the affected person. Signs and symptoms of meningitis can be seen not only in children, but also in people of all age groups. Infection causing bacteria and viruses are responsible for causing the inflammation which results in meningitis. Meningitis symptoms in children like fever, lethargy and mental problems are not experienced frequently, thus causing confusion. Detecting meningitis in small children is a big challenge as a result of this confusion. Encephalitis is defined as the passing of the infection and the inflammation resulting from it, through the spinal cord or the brain membranes. However, you should be aware of meningitis vaccine side effects too.

Causes of Meningitis in Children
Infections in the blood streams are the primary causes of meningitis. It is very important to protect the brain from contaminated blood. This useful function is performed by the blood brain barrier. The capacity of the blood brain barrier to purify this contaminated blood is considerably reduced by meningitis causing infections. Some substances secreted by the infections can also affect the protective ability of the blood brain barrier. Harmful organisms enter the fluid substance which surrounds the brain causing series of reactions in the leaky blood brain barrier. The source of resistance of the human body are the white blood cells. To combat this infection, the human body secrets more and more white blood cells which in turn can lead to more inflammation in the brain tissues. Over secretion of blood cells further results in swelling in the vital parts of the brain. This reduces the blood supply to these parts.

Some general infections like nose and ear infection, can cause meningitis in children. Ear infection is also known as otitis media while nasal sinus infections are referred to as sinusitis. A deadly head injury or a previously done surgery can cause meningitis. Group B bacteria, like Escherichia coli, Listeria and Streptococcus, immediately attack small children after their birth. Even after the baby becomes one month old, it has a serious threat from haemophilus influenzae type B and neisseria meningitidis bacteria. Viruses cause more complex meningitis problems than bacteria.

Prominent Meningitis Symptoms
Symptoms of viral meningitis in children can be life-threatening as their resistance ability is lower than that of grown up adults. Here is a detail description of the various symptoms of meningitis in children:

Fever
Fever is one of the most prominent symptom of viral meningitis. It is also the most commonly found symptoms in children. Initially, this fever is very mild - it can be around 99.5 degrees F. Generally, this fever brings with itself, some complicated illnesses which are a real threat for the children.

Lethargy
Children suffering from viral infection are lethargic and they get tired in a short time after doing a few physical activities. They feel sleepy due to over exhaustion. They lack enthusiasm and interest in games, study and other day-to-day activities.

Development of Rash on the Skin
Development of skin rash can be termed as an allergic reaction of the body due to the infiltration of the virus. The rash is almost always succeeded by headache, fever and lethargy. These rashes can appear on any part of the body of the child.

Headache
Children with viral meningitis often suffer from frequent headaches. Parents should take this symptom seriously even if the headache is mild. Headache is the result of the inflammation of the fluid around the brain and the membrane.

Problems in Neck Movement
A stiff neck is one of the many meningitis symptoms. The movement of the neck will be restricted and will be painful due to the inflammation of the complete area around the neck and spinal cord. This symptom is widely observed in kids and should be brought to the notice of the doctors.

Symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis
There is a similarity in the symptoms of viral meningitis and bacterial meningitis. Vomiting, clumsiness, some behavior problems, epilepsy, kidney failure, headache, having problems with bright light, are the common symptoms of bacterial meningitis. These symptoms, which are mild initially, can aggravate to a great extent, in few days.

Meningitis in children can be effectively treated using antibiotics. Your doctors may suggest you to get a CT scan done. You can bring back joy and happiness in the lives of your children by getting your child treated in a reputed hospital.