Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, according to KidsHealth. The meninges is the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Children at any age can get meningitis, but it is more common among children who share common space with other children. Meningitis is highly contagious and could lead to life-threatening complications. If a child demonstrates signs and symptoms of meningitis, she should see her pediatrician immediately. Childhood meningitis could have a negative effect on the child's quality of life and ability to function normally.
Types
Childhood meningitis comes in two forms: viral and bacterial, according to AskDrSeers.com. Viral meningitis is the common type of meningitis that comes on slowly and is treated the same way the common cold is treated. Rest and increased fluids, along with over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms are typically prescribed by the doctor. Bacterial meningitis is rare in children but could be life-threatening. It comes on quickly and has very aggressive symptoms. A child with bacterial meningitis will have to be hospitalized.
Symptoms
Childhood meningitis symptoms are difficult to distinguish at first because they are similar to flu-like symptoms. The most common symptoms of meningitis in children are headache, fever, irritability, sneezing, runny nose, a stiff neck, skin rashes and seizures, according to KidsHealth. It is recommended to have the child looked at by a pediatrician when symptoms first begin to diagnose and treat the condition early on.
Effects
Meningitis in children will change their behavior. The child will be tired, lethargic and unmotivated to participate in activities. AskDrSears.com recommends going straight to the emergency room if the child has five or more symptoms associated with meningitis. The most alarming effect of childhood meningitis is neck pain and stiffness. If the child communicates this, seek medical attention. Meningitis will always cause the body to develop a fever. A stiff neck accompanied by a high fever is alarming.
Hearing Effects
According to KidsHealth, bacterial meningitis can affect the child's hearing after the infection clears up. Partial hearing loss is one of the most common side effects of bacterial meningitis. Have your doctor perform a hearing test after the infection is eliminated to determine if your child's ears were permanently affected.
Complications
Complications of childhood meningitis include neurological issues, seizures, learning disabilities and visual impairment. Some vital organs can be affected by bacterial meningitis, such as the kidneys, the heart and the adrenal glands, according to KidsHealth. AskDrSears.com states that brain damage is a rare but possible complication from meningitis. In some cases, meningitis can lead to loss of nerve function in different parts of the body.
