Meningitis in Children

• Meningitis in Children Overview
• Meningitis in Children Causes
• Meningitis in Children Symptoms
• When to Seek Medical Care
• Exams and Tests
• Meningitis in Children Treatment
• Self-Care at Home
• Medical Treatment
• Medications
• Next Steps
• Follow-up
• Prevention
• Outlook
• For More Information
• Web Links
• Synonyms and Keywords
• Authors and Editors

Meningitis in Children Overview

Meningitis is a term used to describe an inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain or the spinal cord. Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening condition that can rapidly progress to permanent brain damage, neurologic problems, and even death. Doctors need to treat meningitis to decide the exact cause of the problem and to prevent or reduce any long-term effects.

• The inflammation causing meningitis is normally a direct result of either a bacterial infection or a viral infection. However, the inflammation can also be caused by more rare conditions, such as cancer, a drug reaction, or a disease of the immune system.
  
  
• Normally, meningitis causes fever, lethargy, and a decreased mental status (problems thinking), but these symptoms are often hard to detect in young children.
  
  
• If the infection or resulting inflammation progresses past the membranes of the brain or the spinal cord, then the process is called encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
  
  
• The highest incidence of meningitis is between birth and 2 years, with the greatest risk immediately following birth and at 3-8 months. Increased exposure to infections and underlying immune system problems present at birth increase a child's risk of meningitis.