Meningitis is a swelling of the thin membranes covering the brain and the spinal cord. These membranes are known as the meninges.
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What are the causes of meningitis?
Meningitis is the result of a bacterial or viral infection that starts in your body like your sinuses, ears or throat.
Less common causes are autoimmune disorders, syphilis, cancer meds, tuberculosis
How is meningitis diagnosed in a child?
The doctor will ask about your kid's signs and health history. Your doctor likewise will ask about your family's health history. The person will give your child a physical exam. Your kid may likewise have tests, like
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap). This is the only test that diagnoses meningitis. A needle is inserted into the lower back, into the spinal canal. This is the region around the spinal cord. The pressure in the spinal canal and brain is measured. A small amount of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) is taken out and sent for testing to see whether there is an infection or different problems.
- Blood tests: These can assist with diagnosing infections that cause meningitis.
- CT scan or MRI: These are tests that show images of the brain. A CT scan is once in a while done to search for different conditions that might cause similar symptoms as meningitis. An MRI might show inflammatory changes in the meninges. These tests give more information. Yet, meningitis can't be diagnosed utilizing these tests alone.
- Nasal, throat, or rectal swabs: These tests assist with diagnosing viral infections that cause meningitis.
What are the symptoms of meningitis in kids?
The symptoms of meningitis in kids include:
- High fever
- Constant crying and gets louder while holding the baby
- Baby seems to be sleepier, inactive or sluggish
- Stiff neck or body
- Poor ability to feed
- Bulge on the soft location on the top of the baby’s head
- Crankiness
How is meningitis treated in a child?
Treatment given by pediatric neurologist in Sahakarnagar varies by type of meningitis. The treatments by type include:
- Bacterial meningitis
- Viral meningitis
- Fungal meningitis
- Tuberculous (TB) meningitis
How to prevent meningitis in kids?
Numerous vaccines are available to prevent some of the bacterial infections that can lead to meningitis. These include:
- H. influenzae type b vaccine (Hib): This is given as a 3-or 4-part series during your child’s routine immunizations beginning at 2 months old.
- PCV13 pneumococcal vaccine: This vaccine is given for all healthy kids less than age 2. PCV13 can be given alongside other childhood vaccines. It is suggested at ages 2 months, 4 months, 6 months, and 12 to 15 months. One dose is likewise advised for older kids who didn't get the 4-dose series, and for those at high risk for pneumococcal disease.
- PPSV23 pneumococcal vaccine: This vaccine is likewise recommended for older kids at high risk for pneumococcal disease.
- Meningococcal vaccine: This vaccine is part of the routine vaccine schedule. It is given to kids ages 11 to 12, with a booster given at age 16. It is given to teenagers entering high school if they were not immunized at age 11 or 12. Booster is likewise given at age 16 to 18, or as long as after 5 years. Infants and young kids at increased risk may likewise have this vaccine. Ask your doctor about the doses and when they ought to be given.
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