Shoumen (not a real name) is a three years old breast feed baby who is properly vaccinated with a history of age appropriate development. Suddenly he felt sick, presented with high fever, headache, vomiting, lethargy, neck stiffness and convulsion. He was hospitalised immediately. After through physical examination lumber puncture done and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) was obtained for examination in the lab. CSF study confirmed the diagnosis of Meningitis. Shoumen was treated by parental antibiotics for two weeks and then discharged with some advice and asked for follow up after four weeks.
Bacterial meningitis is a serious but common infection of central nervous system. Delay in treatment may end up with various complications and even death. Organisms may affect the brain coverings directly if there is any head injury, fracture, following some diagnostic procedures but mostly it affects brain via blood (hematogenous spread).
Fever, headache, vomiting, neck stiffness and other signs of meningeal irritation, lethargy, convulsion are the dominating features. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment is necessary to minimise morbidity and mortality.
Common complications include hydrocephalus (a medical condition in which there is an abnormal accumulation of CSF in the ventricles of the brain), subdural effusion (collection of fluid trapped between the surface of the brain and the outer lining of the brain called dura matter), brain abscess, cerebral palsy, cranial nerve palsy, deafness, visual problem, mental retardation, epilepsy etc.
Every year more than 1.2 million people are affected by meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is the most severe and common form. Even with prompt diagnosis and treatment, approximately 1 in 10 patients die and up to 1 in 5 sustain permanent damage and disability.
Meningitis is a disease that can affect anyone, anywhere and at any time but children are the main victims. Breastfeeding, maintaining proper hygiene and vaccination reduces the incidence of the disease.
24th April is observed as World Meningitis Day to create awareness about the disease.
