Meningitis Symptoms in Teenagers

What is meningitis? It is an infectious disease causing an inflammation of meninges or membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. Consequences can be life-threatening due to closeness of the inflammation to the brain and spinal cord. Hence, detecting symptoms becomes necessary. The swelling often activates the symptoms like headache, stiff neck and fever. People with weak immune systems are more prone to the disease.

Types and Causes

The most common types of infectious meningitis include viral, also referred to as aseptic and bacterial meningitis. Fungal meningitis is rarely observed. Aseptic meningitis, induced by viruses in the digestive tract, also called Enteroviruses, is most commonly seen in adolescents. Enteroviruses can spread through fecal matter, mucus secretion or through contact of saliva. Enteroviruses gets spread rapidly during summer. Sneezing without covering the mouth can also lead to spreading Enteroviruses. Mosquito borne viruses can also cause aseptic meningitis. This is less intense and can be cured if timely treatment is initiated. The consequences can be frequent headache, fatigue, deafness, amnesia and confusedness. It is diagnosed by performing lab tests on spinal fluid to identify the cause of an infection, i.e. a virus or bacterium. Bacterial meningitis can be quite severe and life-threatening and may turn out to be fatal. For survivors, the after-effects can be enfeebling and may result in multiple amputations if treatment gets delayed. If untreated, bacterial infection can lead to brain damage and blood infection. Bacterial meningitis is caused if certain bacterium like pneumococcus enters the blood stream and moves towards the spinal cord and brain. Bacterium like streptococcus pneumoniae can spread through coughing. Direct invasion of meninges due to a ear infection or open head injuries can also result in bacterial meningitis. It can be diagnosed from the sample of spinal fluid, by an insertion of a needle to collect cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). It is referred to as lumbar puncture test. Bacterium responsible for the infection are identified to start treatment with antibiotics.

Symptoms

Signs and symptoms often match with those of flu or influenza. Symptoms in children are similar to those of adults.

• Vomiting and Fever: Vomiting and fever with nausea, petulance, confusion and drowsiness are most commonly observed symptoms in teens. Onset of very high fever is observed.
• Listlessness: Teens develop lethargic attitude.
• Severe Headache: Severe headache and severe back pain are also few of the initial symptoms of meningitis.
• Increased Sensitivity to Light: Increased sensitivity to light or photophobia arises in teens.
• Stiffened Neck: Stiffened neck can indicate meningitis in teens. The person becomes unable to move the neck around properly.
• Chills: The person experiences severe chills associated with excessive cold and shivers.
• Seizures: People experience seizures as the disease builds up.
• Sleepiness: Drowsiness is commonly observed. The person experiences difficulty in waking up.
• Lack of Appetite: Lack of appetite is also seen. The individual is not very interested in eating his or her meals, even at regular times.
• Rash: Reddish spots are observed which later develop into a rash.

Treatment

Antibiotics do not work in case of viral meningitis. Doctors often advise bed rest, consumption of ample of fluids, and prescribe medication to alleviate fever. Hospitalization may become essential if the infection is severe. Timely treatment and consumption of antibiotics is the key to treat bacterial meningitis. Antibiotics are also prescribed for immediate family members since they are at a greater risk of catching the infection. The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) encourages vaccination for 11-18 year olds. 1 dose of meningococcal conjugate vaccine and pneumococcal conjugate vaccine is recommended. Meningococcal vaccine is administered in the form of a shot and prescribed for babies and teenagers. For those who are of 11-12 years of age, a routine vaccination is recommended. Immunizations such as measles and haemophilus influenzae type B disease should be done during childhood. Parents also need to educate their children about the importance of hygiene like washing hands before eating and especially after visiting the washroom.

'Prevention is better than cure'. So, always maintain hygiene and seek your doctor's advice immediately if any of the above symptoms are noticed.