6 Symptoms Of Meningitis That Parents Should Not Ignore

Due to the diversity of presentations of meningitis in young children, if we suspect that the symptoms correspond to the disease, the child should be performed a lumbar puncture to rule out complications

In many cases, the symptoms of meningitis may seem like a temporary discomfort at first. That is why it is so important to monitor its evolution and consult with the pediatrician what to do.

Meningitis is related to inflammation of the membranes that line the brain and spinal cord. Children are more likely to suffer from it. In fact, scientific evidence reveals that “in Spain, the annual incidence of bacterial meningitis in children aged between one month and 15 years is 21.7 / 100,000, and approximately six out of ten patients are under five years of age “.

What else is there to know about meningitis?

As a recent study conducted in Colombia indicates, the diagnosis of bacterial meningitis in children is not easy to make. Likewise, they indicate that although there are very common symptoms, there is a percentage of patients who request medical assistance for nonspecific symptoms, such as paleness, abdominal pain and rhinorrhea, which forces us to be very attentive to the atypical debut of the entity.

With this in mind, we can understand the great importance of not ignoring the discomfort or missing the opportunity to consult with the pediatrician.

Now let’s see now what are the symptoms of meningitis that we should not ignore.

1. Acute headache

In children, the headache is unbearable. Sometimes the patient’s neck is affected.

In the case of newborns, a characteristic symptom is the appearance of a bulge in the fontanelle.

2. Pain in the belly, nausea and vomiting

Belly pain, nausea, and vomiting are prevalent symptoms during the onset of the disease. In turn, it may be that the child loses his appetite, partly in response to a series of annoying abdominal cramps.

Although it is true that these symptoms can be the product of a temporary discomfort (or other diseases), the ideal is to monitor its evolution and, if it does not give way, consult with the pediatrician as soon as possible. It is not advisable to medicate the child without first consulting with the professional, because doing so could not only complicate the picture, but also could hide symptoms that would facilitate a proper diagnosis.

3. Photosensitivity

Another condition that accompanies meningitis is photophobia, also known as  sensitivity to light.

When they are exposed to a lot of light, especially sunlight, their eyes start to water. Likewise, it is accompanied by nausea and the headache worsens.

4. Stiff neck, one of the symptoms of meningitis

If the child’s reactions are observed during meningitis, he will present an easily recognizable body position:

• While lying on your side, keep your head back and your legs bent.
• Wanting to stretch your neck, you can’t because of stiffness.

5. Double vision and fever

Children suffer when they focus their gaze on a target, so they have double vision of their surroundings. Fever is the main symptom. The little one has spasms and constantly complains of the cold.

Once the temperature starts to rise, it is very difficult to control it. However, as a fever can always occur, it is important to comply with the rest of the signs.

6. Skin rashes

Rashes or breakouts on the skin also usually appear when you are suffering from this disease.

• To check if it is meningitis or not, you just have to take a clear glass cup.
• Press it on the rash and see if the area turns pale. If so, it is not meningitis.
• Now, if the rash remains the same tone, it is best to consult a doctor.

This is a disease that should not be overlooked. In the case of children, we must be alert to symptoms and moods.

It is recommended to call an ambulance unit to make a diagnosis and, if positive, transfer him to a medical center to be admitted immediately. The sooner you get treatment, the better.

Can meningitis be prevented? How?

Some forms of meningitis can be “prevented” with vaccines. Some of the most common and available today are the following:

• Antimeningococcus.
• Antihaemophilus.
• Pneumococcal.

Some of these are not included in the vaccination calendar of the autonomous communities. However, there is no certainty that the mentioned vaccines do not offer absolute protection, since they act exclusively on certain antigens of the bacterial strain.

How does meningitis present in newborns?

In the case of infants or infants with meningeal infection, this is expressed by showing them irritated, upset or simply inappetent. Fever is the first sign, but there are cases in which hypothermia also plays a role, as well as rapid breathing and seizures.

This is a delicate stage, as the skull is not fully formed, the fontanelles or cranial openings may be bulging.

Typical meningeal signs are usually present when examined by the pediatrician due to the immaturity of the central nervous system. Reddish spots can be seen when there is meningococcal meningitis.

Due to the diversity of presentations of meningitis in young children, as soon as it is believed that the symptoms correspond to the disease, the minor should undergo a lumbar puncture to rule out.

If the newborn has a fever with no apparent cause, the specialist can perform the puncture even if there are no other symptoms.