Meningitis is an inflammation of the tissues that line the spinal cord and brain. A virus or bacteria are the most common cause of meningitis. Occasionally a fungus can also cause meningitis. Meningitis is a serious infection that can even be life-threatening.

Although anyone can get meningitis, babies between six and 18 months are one of the age groups most at risk of developing the infection. The thought of your baby contracting meningitis is frightening. But spotting symptoms early helps your baby get treatment quickly.

Symptoms of Meningitis

Keep in mind, symptoms of meningitis often start out like other common childhood illnesses. But with meningitis, babies get very ill quickly.

One common sign of meningitis is a high fever. The fever may come on suddenly. In some cases, babies have cold feet and hands even though the rest of their body is hot.

Babies may also seem excessively sleepy. When awake, a baby with meningitis may seem to have a starring expression. Vomiting and diarrhea may also develop.

If your baby has meningitis, he may have a stiff neck, which can be hard to detect in an infant. One sign of stiffness is he may cry when he is picked up and hold his body stiff.

Another sign of meningitis, which can be hard to recognize in a baby is a headache. Since your baby can not tell you if her head hurts, it’s important to spot other signs of a headache, such as a bulging fontanelle (the soft spot on your baby’s head). Inconsolable crying can also be a sign your baby’s head is hurting.

Extremeness fussiness, especially if it is uncharacteristic of your baby, can also indicate meningitis. Most babies also have no interest in nursing or eating solid foods.

Meningitis also can cause a skin rash. The rash may look like little pin pricks or tiny purple bruises on the body. But you do NOT need to wait for a rash before seeking help.

Other symptoms may include; tense or bulging soft spot, extreme shivering, refusing to feed, high pitched or moaning cry, blotchy skin, getting paler or turning blue, stiff body with jerky movements or else floppy and lifeless, cold hands and feet.

Important: Not every baby gets all these symptoms, and they can appear in any order.

Head to the emergency room if you think your baby has meningitis, and say that you are worried it can be meningitis or septicaemia. Always trust your instincts! The disease can progress quickly, and early treatment is essential. Although your baby’s symptoms could be something other than meningitis, it’s also better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your baby’s health.

Your baby’s doctor will perform blood tests, a physical exam and possibly a lumbar puncture to rule out or confirm meningitis. A lumbar puncture is done to obtain a sample of spinal fluid.

Treatment for meningitis depends on whether it is viral or bacterial meningitis. Although meningitis can be serious, if symptoms are recognized early and treated quickly, most babies make a full recovery.

Many countries have a vaccine, which is available that protects babies against certain bacteria that can cause meningitis. Depending on where you live, your baby may have an increased risk of contracting meningitis. For example, certain regions of the world have a high tick population that may carry bacteria, which can cause meningitis. Your best bet is to speak to your doctor about the benefits and risks of having your baby immunized against meningitis.

Written by MaryAnn DePietro @ writerlady34

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.

The fontanel is the name given to the soft spots on your baby’s head. The bones of your baby’s skull have not yet closed, leaving soft spots on the top of the head. The bones are open during birth to allow the baby being born. They remain open for a few months after the birth to allow for rapid brain growth. The soft spot at the back of the skull is the first to close, usually be the time your baby is eight weeks old. The anterior fontanel (the soft spot nearer the front of the skull) should close by the time your baby is around 18 months old though it could happen as early as nine months.

Parents often worry about injury to the soft spot, but, in fact, it is quite tough. Though it is called the soft spot, it is actually quite firm. Your healthcare provider will check your baby’s fontanel at each visit. A healthy baby’s fontanel should curve inwards very slightly. Keeping a close eye on your baby’s soft spot is important because it can provide clues to your baby’s health.

Sunken Fontanel

If your baby’s fontanel appears sunken, this could be a sign of dehydration. Babies are at an increased risk of dehydration so it’s important to recognize the symptoms of this condition. A sunken fontanel, reduction in wet diapers, dark urine and lethargy are other symptoms of dehydration in babies. Severe dehydration is a medical emergency and requires immediate medical attention. If your doctor diagnoses dehydration, your baby may be offered IV fluids as treatment. To reduce the risk of dehydration, you should ensure your baby has enough to drink on warmer days. For formula fed babies, you can offer cooled water in a bottle between feeds. Breastfed babies usually do not need any water though you may notice that they breastfeed more frequently on hot days.

Malnutrition, also known as ‘failure to thrive’, can also be a cause of sunken fontanel. An inability to absorb the nutrients from milk can be caused by feeding problems, food intolerances and genetic conditions. If your doctor thinks ‘failure to thrive’ is the cause of the sunken fontanel, you may be offered breastfeeding support.

Bulging Fontanel

A bulging fontanel can be a sign that something is wrong with your baby. A bulging fontanel can be a symptom of meningitis and a number of other serious conditions, so it’s important you seek emergency medical help immediately if your baby’s fontanel is bulging.

If you have any concerns about your baby’s fontanel, speak to your baby’s doctor. If the fontanel is bulging, don’t wait for a doctor’s appointment, instead seek emergency medical assistance straight away.

Written by Fiona (@Fiona_Peacock), mother, writer and lover of all things baby related.

This information is not intended to replace the advice of a trained medical doctor. Health & Parenting Ltd disclaims any liability for the decisions you make based on this information, which is provided to you on a general information basis only and not as a substitute for personalized medical advice. All contents copyright © Health & Parenting Ltd 2016. All rights reserved.