Meningitis in Children

Meningitis is the inflammation of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Depending upon the cause, meningitis in children could be mild or life-threatening. Being familiar with facts about meningitis could save your child's life.

Causes

• Typically caused by bacteria or viruses, meningitis may also occur as a result of other causes, such as medications and tumors.

Bacterial Meningitis

• Bacterial meningitis is a potentially life-threatening form of meningitis that can be caused by a range of bacteria and may result in serious complications, including permanent neurological damage. MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia states that meningococcus is the leading cause of bacterial meningitis in children.

Viral Meningitis

• Viral infections cause the majority of meningitis infections, especially in children under the age of 5 years, according to MedlinePlus. Viral meningitis is a much more mild form of meningitis that occurs most frequently in the fall and spring.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of meningitis in babies and young children include fever, lack of appetite, irritability, nausea, vomiting and trouble awakening. Older children will often experience a stiff neck, a headache and high fever.

Treatment

• Due to the seriousness of bacterial meningitis, you should contact your child's doctor immediately if you suspect meningitis. Depending on the type of bacteria that caused your child's meningitis, his pediatrician will prescribe different antibiotics for treatment. Viral meningitis will not respond to antibiotic treatment, so treatment typically includes rest and fluids.

Vaccines

• Vaccines that provide protection against different forms of bacterial meningitis include the Haemophilus influenzae B (Hib) vaccine (for H. influenzae meningitis), the pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (for pneumococcal meningitis) and the meningococcal vaccine (for meningococcal meningitis).