Basic information on this disease, including symptoms in babies and children

Meningitis

MENINGITIS
* Meningitis means inflammation of the meninges, which is a membrane of fine skin covering the brain.

* It is caused by infection with germs either viruses or bacteria. Viral meningitis is more common and thankfully less serious than bacterial meningitis which is far more dangerous and needs urgent treatment.

* Bacterial meningitis can cause severe brain damage, deafness, fits, squints, vertigo (dizziness). tinnitus (ringing in the ears), persistent headaches and lack of co ordination.

* The signs of meningitis are:
Headache. Neck stiffness. Fever. Vomiting. Drowsiness or confusion. Dislike of bright light. Backache and joint pains. Skin rash.

* In babies watch out for these particular signs:
Refusing feeds. Vomiting. Fever. Difficulty in wakening. High pitched cry. Fretfulness. Red/purplish spots.

* An effective and safe vaccine, called the `Hib' vaccine, which protects against the commonest form of bacterial meningitis (Haemophilus influenza B meningitis) is now routinely given to all children in three doses, when they receive their `triple' vaccine of diptheria, tetanus and whooping couygh at 2, 3 and 4 months.

* Further info from: The Menigitis Trust, Fern House, Bath Road, Stroud, Gloucestershire, GL5 3TJ.
IMPORTANT NOTICE : This content is from the Dr Chris Steele personal archive and is provided for convenience only. Information contained here may no longer agree with the most up to date medical advice. Please check with a medical professional before taking any action.

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