1. A Word of Warning for Parents
It can be difficult to identify the signs of meningitis in young children. Kids have limited communication abilities, and children in their pre-verbal years may only show signs of irritability. You should suspect that something is wrong if your baby cries when held or refuses to eat, and you should also keep in mind that these signs can signal the presence of many medical conditions.
2. Common Symptoms of Meningitis in Toddlers
If you have a toddler who is 1 year old or older, you should look for a set of classic symptoms. Toddlers in this age range may suffer from nausea, vomiting, fever and seizure symptoms as well as light sensitivity, headaches, neck stiffness, lethargy and uncharacteristic confusion or disorientation.
3. Unusual Signs of Meningitis in Toddlers
Researchers have also identified other signs of meningitis unique to children in this age range. Some children involuntarily draw their knees towards their bodies when their parents try to bend their necks forward. Alternatively, your child may experience pain in his legs. This symptom is known as the Brudzinski sign, and you should get your child to a doctor right away if you notice it.
Your child may also be unable to straighten out her legs after her hips have flexed to at least 90 degrees. You'll hear this referred to as the Kernig sign--named after the researcher who first identified it.
