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What is meningitis
Meningitis is inflammation of the meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord.A variety of long lasting physical symptoms can be left by severe meningitis. These symptoms require to be managed by an experienced physiotherapist and specialist treatment. With the help of Physiotherapy, your toddlers rate of natural development can be improved, along with helping to reduce their joint stiffness and building muscle strength.
Above: Stertching and strengthening exercises assisted by specialist paediatric physiotherapistCauses of meningitis
Bacteria and viruses are the main cause of meningitis in infants and children. The most serious form is bacterial meningitis which can lead to disability and brain damage which may be long term. Viral meningitis is seen more commonly, however it is a milder form with flu-like symptoms.
Symptoms of meningitis
Early recognition of the symptoms of meningitis is extremely important in order to ensure that treatment begins as soon as possible. This is because bacterial meninigitis has the potential to lead to septicaemia, and so all suspected cases should be treated like a medical emergency.
The symptoms of bacterial meningitis have a rapid onset and young children under 5 are at high risk of developing this.
The symptoms that your toddler may experience include:
- High fever, with cold hands and feet
- Rapid breathing
- Agitation
- Pale, blotchy skin with a red rash that does not fade when a glass is placed over
- Drowsiness, floppy and unresponsive
- Unusual high-pitched cry
- Stiff neck
- Convulsions/ Seizures
- Vomit or refuse food
Above: stability and toning exercises supervised by a paediatric physiotherapistDiagnosis of meningitis
If a doctor suspects that your toddler has contracted meningitis, a blood sample will be taken and a lumbar puncture will be performed, where cerebrospinal fluid will be sent for testing. An X-ray or CT Scan may also help to look for signs of infection and brain damage.
Treatment for meningitis
Treatment is dependent on whether it has been caused by a virus or bacteria.
For bacterial meningitis, hospitalisation is usually required as it is very serious. Your toddler will be given antibiotics and IV fluids through a drip.
If your toddler has mild viral meningitis however, they will require rest and care at home
Physiotherapy for your toddler with meningitis
When medically stable, your toddler will be discharged from hospital. They may require to have a follow up of physiotherapy treatment and management depending on the severity of the meningitis and what the outstanding symptoms are.
At Physio.co.uk, our specialist physiotherapists will be able to assess your toddlers needs in a detailed and holistic manner, either in the clinic or in your home environment. Following this, they will be able to discuss the findings of their assessment with you and the problems that your toddler has will be communicated into short and long term goal plans. After having meningitis, a typical treatment plan for a toddler may include:
- Passive stretches
- Joint mobilisations
- Active movement facilitation
- Behavioural patterns monitoring
- Medical complications e.g seizures monitored
- Strengthening exercises for limbs and trunk
- Stretches to maintain range of movement
- Balance exercises to help improve co-ordination
- Exercises to increase sensation and joint position sense (proprioception)
Following meningitis, the benefits that physiotherapy can have for your child include:
- Increase in muscle strength
- Improved co-ordination and balance
- Improvements in sensation and proprioception
- Increased joint range of movement
- An increased ability to move around
- Increase in independence, confidence and quality of life
- Increased ability to complete functional activities
Why Physio.co.uk for your toddler after meningitis
Our in-depth understanding at Physio.co.uk into the symptoms, effects and management of meningitis in toddlers means that our specialist physiotherapists able to provide a detailed and thorough assessment of your toddlers condition. Research has shown that with physiotherapy intervention, a toddlers functional outcome from meningitis significantly improves. At Physio.co.uk, the treatment we provide will be evidence based and delivered to a high standard, whether that is in the clinic or in your home environment.
- Appointment times are flexible
- At home treatment or in the clinic
- Experienced and dedicated physiotherapists
- Advice and provisions of appropriate aids and equipment
- Hydrotherapy access
- Access to speech and language therapy
- Individual home exercise programme
- Access to occupational therapy
- Access to speech and language therapy
