Spinal Meningitis: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatment
June 11th, 2008 | by admin |
Several years ago, our oldest son developed a vicious headache and stiff neck. Even after acetameniphen and Ibuprophen he was prosrate with pain, chilled, running a fever and confused. He complained that his eyes hurt in the light. I called our local emergency room to for guidance. We were told to bring him in immediately as these were symptoms of meningitis.
Meningitis is a swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord. Other symptoms of meningitis include nausea and vomiting, loss of consciousness and a rigid arching of the back. There are two types of meningitis, both with similar symptoms. Bacterial Meningitis is a very serious infection which can cause vision and hearing loss and brain damage. Bacterial meningitis is treatable with antibiotics. The patient will generaly be given intra-vneous (IV) fluids and medications to control shock, brain swelling and seizures which may accompany meningitis. Viral meningitis is less serious. With proper care, symptoms will go away leaving no permanent damage.
The tests for meningitis include blood tests, CT scan, chest x-rays and a spinal tap taken. A spinal tap is a needle inserted into the spinal cord and a small quantity of spinal fluid removed for analysis. The presence of white blood cells in spinal fluid can indicate Meningitis. The spinal tap is terribly painful. The patient must lie perfectly still to prevent dmage to the spinal cord. I was not allowed to be near our son. The doctor explained that the procedure is traumatic to watch; parental anxiety may cause the child to move or flinch.
While our son did not have meningitis, several children in our small hosital did. The hospital staff explained that outbreaks of meningitis occur in late summer and early fall, often after a huge public or tourist event, when sanitation is less regulated. Meningitis generally only strikes persons under 30; children under five most frequently contract meningitis. Prevention of meningitis includes childhood haemophilius (HiB) and pneumococcal conjugate vaccinations as well as proper nutrition, health care and a sanitary environment.
Stumble it!
