How to Find Out If an Infant Has Spinal Meningitis
Spinal meningitis occurs when the membranes over the brain and spinal cord become inflamed. It is caused by either bacteria or viruses in the body that pass into the bloodstream and then into the fluid surrounding the brain and spinal cord. For infants, spinal meningitis develops quickly and rapidly. It can be difficult to determine an infant's symptoms since they are unable to communicate specific discomfort, so it is important to monitor the flu-like symptoms of spinal meningitis.
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Instructions
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Signs of Infant Spinal Meningitis
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Observe the infant for any spinal meningitis symptoms. Some symptoms include skin rashes, sensitivity to light, irritability, lethargic behavior, seizures, vomiting, cold hands and feet, elevated fontanelles and poor appetite.
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Call the doctor if you suspect the infant has spinal meningitis, or if the infant has signs of jaundice (yellow skin), a temperature that is higher than 101 F or lower than normal, a rigid neck, has difficulty breathing, or if the soft spot or fontanelle on the infant's head is bulging.
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Consent to your infant receiving a spinal tap, blood samples, or urine samples if the doctor feels it is necessary. A spinal tap is usually the fastest and most definitive way to diagnose meningitis.
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Wait for the results of the lab tests. In some cases, the doctor may feel it is necessary to begin treatment for spinal meningitis even before the test results come back.
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Tips & Warnings
If you know that your infant has been exposed to someone with spinal meningitis, call your doctor to ask about preventative medicine.
Do not hesitate to call your baby's doctor. Early treatment of spinal meningitis needs to take place to prevent brain damage or death.
