Meningitis is a disease associated with inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. The etiology of this disease may vary, but the symptoms of different types are generally similar.
Children are considered to be more susceptible to this disease.
That is why we have decided to remind parents of the ways meningitis is diagnosed and which symptoms should be given the most attention.
Sudden fever
One of the symptoms of meningitis is a fever that starts suddenly. One child begins to tremble and continues to complain that he is constantly cold.
The temperature of the sick child rises very rapidly and often becomes difficult to lower. However, because this symptom is a sign of many other illnesses, attention must be given to other factors that indicate changes in a child's condition.
Severe headache
The headaches caused by meningitis are often not only severe but also unbearable. Furthermore, pain can also affect a patient's neck, but due to the "stinging" headache the child simply cannot pay attention to the neck.
Blurry glance
A person affected by meningitis cannot focus his eyesight, so his appearance becomes blurry.
Stomach pains, nausea and vomiting
A person with meningitis loses appetite. This is partly due to constant nausea that can be followed by stomach cramps and vomiting.
Sensitivity to light
Another sign of meningitis is the fear of strong light, because it causes watering of the baby's eyes and mixed with a headache that becomes even stronger.
Neck muscle stiffness
A child with meningitis can be in a particularly distinct position: lying on his side with his head thrown back and his legs bent. Attempts to tame his neck are often unsuccessful.
Inability to run the legs
Even if you manage to bend the baby's head toward the chest, his legs instantly bend to his knees and they are unable to bend from this position. This phenomenon is called the BrudziÅ?ski Neck Scar.
With meningitis, the Kernig's Sign also appears, where the child cannot fully extend his leg if it is raised about 90 °.
Non-removable skin rashes
Skin rashes are also possible with meningitis. With this test, it is very easy to detect a simple rash that is not associated with meningitis.
Take a clean glass, place it on the fried part and press firmly on the skin until it becomes pale. If the red spots fade along with the skin, the person has no meningitis.
If the rash does not fade, then you should seek medical help.
What to do?
Meningitis is a dangerous disease, so if you detect any of these symptoms, you should call an ambulance immediately. You need to provide the sick person with rest, calm and dim lighting in the room until the doctor arrives.
You should inform your doctor of any symptoms discovered.
Do not make the mistake of refusing hospitalization when meningitis is suspected because it is possible to treat it effectively in the hospital department only.
Source: School of Health
