Dr Rahul Sinha
Meningitis affects all age groups, including newborns, infants, children and adults, and can be fatal in severe cases. That is why we should alert parents and educate them to detect the initial symptoms as early as possible. But allow me first to explain what meningitis means in simple terms.
Meningitis is simply an inflammation, a swelling of the protective membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. A bacterial, viral or other type of infection of the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord usually causes the swelling. There are non-infectious causes of meningitis as well. The most common causes of meningitis vary and depend on the age group but nonetheless require immediate medical attention to initiate therapy.
Early diagnosis and initiating therapy is vital to successful treatment and prevent or minimise complications. If a child develops fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting, seizures and photophobia (discomfort or pain to the eyes due to light exposure), parents should seek medical attention immediately. Children may only have a few of the above symptoms and not all of them.
Treatment options depend upon the cause of meningitis. For example, antibiotics can treat bacterial meningitis, and antiviral medications can treat some viral meningitis and for some, we can only offer supportive therapy. Bacterial meningitis is a serious illness and life-threatening condition and some patients, in spite of receiving appropriate therapy, will develop long-term neurological problems like seizures, hearing loss and developmental delay, etc., in children and may require rehabilitation therapy.
How can we prevent meningitis? Immunisation/vaccination can prevent certain bacterial and viral meningitis. It is highly recommended that you stay up to date with your child's vaccination after consultation with your paediatrician. Usually, the germs that cause bacterial meningitis and viruses causing viral meningitis spread from one person to another.
You can prevent the spread of infection by washing your hands with soap and water regularly, especially when exposed to germs; use a hand sanitiser; disinfect surfaces regularly; do not share personal hygiene items and avoid close or prolonged contact with others who may be infected. If one of your loved ones are ill due to meningitis and receiving therapy, then use appropriate contact precautions as recommended by the treating doctor. Avoid closed crowded areas, particularly in the winter season. A healthy diet and regular exercise will strengthen your immune system to fight infections and improve your general health.
Seek medical attention and see your local doctor if you are concerned about meningitis affecting your loved ones for early diagnosis and initiating therapy.
Dr Rahul Sinha is the Paediatric Neurologist at Al Jalila Children's Specialty Hospital
To know more, follow him on Twitter @RahulSinha_MD