Meningitis is a serious disease that affects the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is a medical emergency that requires immediate intervention. Symptoms may vary, starting with fever, headache, and neck stiffness, and progressing to loss of consciousness or convulsions. The disease particularly affects children due to their weak immune systems and difficulty communicating symptoms.
What is meningitis in children?
Meningitis is considered one of the most serious diseases that can affect the central nervous system in young children. It exhibits various noticeable signs, the most prominent of which are:
A very high fever.
A recurring and persistent headache.
A stiff neck and difficulty moving it.
What is the relationship between persistent fever and meningitis?
Fever is one of the early symptoms that may indicate a serious infection in a child's body. The most important of these are:
A high temperature that does not go down easily.
Excessive sweating or chills.
A stiff neck.
The characteristic signs that are clearly evident in infected children include the following:
Difficulty moving the head forward.
Pain when trying to bend the neck.
The child's refusal to lie upright.
Sleep disturbances
The disease can significantly affect a child's sleep pattern, and the most prominent symptoms include:
Interrupted and restless sleep.
Difficulty falling asleep.
Persistent insomnia.
Irritability and constant crying.
Behavioral changes in a child are signs that should not be ignored, and examples include:
Constant crying for no apparent reason.
Discomfort from light and sounds.
Skin rash.
Some types of infection that cause meningitis may lead to a skin rash, the most prominent of which are:
Small red spots on the skin.
Skin discoloration in certain areas.
Vomiting and loss of appetite.
The digestive system may be significantly affected during the disease, and the most important symptoms include:
Repeated vomiting.
Loss of appetite.
Advanced symptoms of meningitis.
As meningitis progresses, more serious symptoms may appear that require urgent intervention, including:
Sudden convulsions.
A decrease in the level of consciousness.
Difficulty breathing or severe lethargy.
When should you see a doctor immediately?
Early diagnosis of meningitis saves a child's life, so parents should seek medical help if they notice the following signs:
Fever with a stiff neck.
A sudden rash.
A rapid deterioration in the child's condition.
Article Summary
Meningitis is an infection of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord. It is a serious disease that can be life-threatening if not treated promptly. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or fungi, the most common of which are bacterial and viral.