WHAT HAPPENS NEXT?

Meningitis is an infection of the membranes that surround your child’s brain and spinal cord. It’s potentially life-threatening and can lead to serious brain damage. In order to prevent any long-term damage, doctors will have to ascertain the exact cause of the problem. To do this, the doctor will perform a lumbar puncture after assessing your child’s temperature, blood pressure, pulse and other standard tests. A lumbar puncture, or spinal tap, is a procedure in which the fluid from your child’s spinal cord is drawn using a needle. The fluid is then analysed at a laboratory.

This is not a dangerous procedure, however frightening it may seem at the time. If your child has meningitis, he will be admitted to hospital for treatment. The type of meningitis – bacterial or viral – determines the course of treatment and length of hospital stay. Be sure to follow your doctor’s orders for home treatment to curb any long-lasting effects. ●