Meningitis and Septicaemia

Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. There are two types of meningitis, bacterial and viral. Septicaemia is blood poisoning from bacterial meningitis.

Symptoms may include

• Your child is irritable when picked up with a high pitched, piercing cry
• Stiff neck
• Unable to tolerate bright light
• High temperature
• Seizure or fit
• Very bad headache
• Vomiting or refusing feeds
• Pale or bluish skin
• Cold hands and feet and shivering
• Stiff body with jerking movements or floppy lifeless body
• Tense or bulging spot on head
• Red, brown or purple pin prick rash marks/ blotches on skin, use the ‘glass tumbler test’.

Not all of these symptoms will occur at one time. It is very important if your child has some of these symptoms to seek medical help immediately.

Always trust your instincts and seek medical advice immediately.

‘Glass Tumbler Test’

Press the bottom of a clear glass firmly against the rash. If the rash doesn’t fade under the pressure of the glass, then it may be a meningitis rash so get help as soon as possible. Do not waste any time.

For more information:

www.meningitis.org
www.actformeningitis.ie