Bacterial Menigitis: A very serious disease
Jul 01 '00 (Updated Jan 05 '02)
The Bottom Line The following information is important for children and adults.
I recently wrote an E-pinion on Viral Meningitis and I would like to share with you now the effects of bacterial meningitis. I have done a lot of research on this subject. Below you will find information from my family Dr. Wayne’s pediatrician, Webster’s home medical dictionary and several local web sites as well as my good friend Ilotta who is one of the worlds greatest pediatricians. (She is also an Epinions member Lottaminis)
Please take a look at my review on Viral Meningitis at
http://www.epinions.com/kifm-review-73DC-61819E3-39590A77-prod1
What is bacterial meningitis?
Bacterial meningitis is an infection caused by a virus that has entered your blood stream and inflamed the fluid in the spinal cord and the fluid that surrounds the brain. It is important to know what virus caused the illness because of differences in the seriousness of the illness and the treatment needed.
VIRAL MENINGITIS (also called aseptic meningitis) is usually relatively mild. It clears up within a week or two without specific treatment. See the above URL for specific information on viral meningitis (believe me it is not fun)
BACTERIAL MENINGITIS is much more serious and can cause severe disease that can result in brain damage and even death.
How do people get bacterial meningitis?
The bacterium is spread by direct contact with any discharges from the nose or throat of infected people and can also pass through the feces. (always wash your hands thoroughly after changing diapers, using the restroom or coming into contact with anyone you may suspect as being infected) Fortunately, none of the bacteria that cause meningitis are very contagious, and they are not spread by casual contact or by simply breathing the air where a person with meningitis has been. (Ok let’s all breath a sigh of relief WHEW!)Anyone can get bacterial meningitis, but it is most common in infants and children and young adults.
What are the signs and symptoms of bacterial meningitis?
In children over 2, the most common symptoms are high fever, headache, and stiff neck. These symptoms usually develop over several hours but they can have been reported to appear as late as one week after it has been contracted. You will also want to watch for other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light, confusion, and sleepiness. Please note that it is not uncommon for Meningitis in viral or bacterial form, to cause numbness of ears as well as disrupt a woman’s menstrual cycles. Women with Viral meningitis can have a menstrual cycle lasting from 2 - 4 weeks. ( yes I know it is not fun.) In advanced cases bruises can develop under the skin and spread quickly and seizures may also occur.
In newborns and infants, the typical symptoms of fever, headache, and neck stiffness may be hard to detect. If your child is running a fever, has a small rash (consisting of small red dots) and is sleeping excessively, contact your pediatrician immediately. Other signs in babies might be inactivity, irritability, vomiting, and poor feeding. Unfortunately younger children can not tell you what is wrong with them.
How is bacterial meningitis diagnosed?
Testing for bacteria from a sample of spinal fluid usually makes the diagnosis. A spinal tap (also called a Lumbar puncture) obtains the spinal fluid . A doctor inserts a needle into the lower back and removes some fluid from the spinal canal. Identification of the type of bacteria responsible for the meningitis is important for the selection of correct antibiotic treatment. Antibiotics are not necessary in viral meningitis and will usually not be prescribed. After a Lumbar puncture you will have soreness in the lower back as well as mild to severe back spasms which can be extremely painful.
What complications can result from bacterial meningitis?
Advanced bacterial meningitis can lead to brain damage, coma, and death.
Survivors can suffer long-term complications, including hearing loss, mental retardation, paralysis, and seizures. Bacterial meningitis is fatal in more than half the reported cases.
How can bacterial meningitis be prevented?
There are vaccines such as the Hib that your child will receive in three stages. The vaccines HIB are very safe and highly effective. By 6 months of age, every infant should receive at least three doses of an Hib vaccine. A fourth dose (booster) should be given to children between 12 and 18 months of age. (This information came directly from 2 pediatricians so it is very accurate)Your Doctor will report cases of bacterial meningitis to state or local health authorities so that they can follow and treat close contacts of patients and recognize outbreaks. Antibiotics for contacts of a person with bacterial meningitis are no longer recommended if all contacts 4 years of age or younger are fully vaccinated.
Big Smiles and Warm Hugs
Heather aka Mininut
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Member: Heather
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Mother of 4 gorgeous children and survivor of Cervical Cancer.
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