Spotlight on Meningitis – Jill – Daisy First Aid Newcastle and South Northumberland
Meningitis is a hot topic in the media at the moment and the very word sends a shiver down every parent’s spine! While the MenB vaccine debate rages on, it’s important to make sure we would all recognise of the symptoms of this heartbreaking illness.
Meningitis is an inflammation of the protective linings surrounding the brain and spinal cord, which is caused by bacterial or viral infections. Bacterial meningitis is very serious and should be treated as a medical emergency. Early treatment with hospital antibiotics is vital.
The main symptom most people associate with bacterial meningitis is the rash. The rash we all fearfully look out for whenever our child is unwell. This rash is characterised by bleeding or bruising under the skin, it could be little pinpricks, spots or blotches, anywhere on the body. It could look red, blue, purple or brown and won’t fade or change colour under pressure. This rash however, can be a late sign and doesn’t always occur, don’t wait for a rash to develop before you get help!
So other than the rash, which symptoms should we be looking out for? A recent study showed that 50% of children with meningitis were initially sent home by their GP as some of the signs of meningitis like fever, vomiting, severe headache and being very sleepy can unfortunately be mistaken for other common, less serious infections. A child with bacterial meningitis, however, will often deteriorate rapidly!
It is vital to seek help again if the child gets worse! One thing I always stress to parents and carers attending my class is that a medical assessment is only valid for the symptoms presenting at that moment in time, as soon as anything changes, anything gets worse or there are any new symptoms, then a new assessment is required!
Be persistent! Trust your instincts! Never be afraid to speak up and seek a second opinion!
The stiff neck and dislike of bright lights symptoms can often be rare and are less common in babies and toddlers. They may have limb, joint and muscle pain, they are likely to be irritable when picked up, may refuse to feed, may have a high-pitched or moaning cry. Other symptoms could include, pale or mottled skin, cold hands and feet, shivering, breathing fast or becoming breathless, confusion, becoming delirious or fitting. Babies could become lifeless, limp and floppy, too sleepy to wake up and the soft spot on their head may become tense or buldging.
The symptoms can appear in any order! Not everyone gets all of these symptoms!
Do not wait for all the signs and symptoms to appear, time is critical!
Seek urgent medical advice early if you suspect meningitis is developing!
If medical advice is not available go straight to the nearest emergency department!
If the rash is present, call 999 for emergency help! (or 112)
For more information see www.meningitis.org
Thank you,
Jill Santonastaso
Paediatric First Aid Instructor
www.daisyfirstaid.com
Daisy First Aid Classes for Parents & Carers last 2 hours and cover responding to a medical emergency, CPR, recovery positions, head injuries, febrile seizures, choking, allergic reactions, meningitis, fractures, poisons, burns and bleeding.
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