top of page
realistic futuristic image of microorgan

Neuro-infections

Brain on Alert: Recognizing and Treating CNS Infections in Kids

​Central nervous system (CNS) infections in children, such as meningitis and encephalitis, are serious conditions that demand immediate and thorough medical attention. These infections affect the brain and spinal cord, leading to potentially severe complications if not treated promptly.

Common Types of CNS Infections

  1. Meningitis: An inflammation of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, meningitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites. Bacterial meningitis, particularly caused by Neisseria meningitidis or Streptococcus pneumoniae, is more severe than viral types. Other types of infections include tuberculous meningitis, and fungal meningitis .

  2. Encephalitis: This condition refers to inflammation of the brain tissue itself. Viral causes such as herpes simplex virus, enteroviruses, and others are the most common, but bacterial, parasitic, and autoimmune triggers can also occur.

  3. Abscess: When an organism enters the substance of the brain, it can cause pus to collect and act like a space-occupying tumor. Various bacteria, tuberculosis and parasites can cause destruction of brain tissue and an immune reaction causes a capsule to form in order to protect the brain from further damage.

Signs and Symptoms

Children with CNS infections typically present with a variety of symptoms that commonly include a combination of the following:

  1. Fever​

  2. Headache​

  3. Vomiting​

  4. Stiff neck

  5. ​Seizures

  6. Irritability or confusion​ or changes in behavior

  7. Weakness

Young infants may show less specific signs such as poor feeding, lethargy, or an abnormal cry.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

Diagnosis is usually confirmed by analyzing cerebrospinal fluid(CSF) for the presence of abnormalities and micro-organisms. A lumbar puncture is the procedure done by your doctor in order to obtain cerebrospinal fluid.

 

Other supporting investigations include:

Neuroimaging. A cranial CT scan or MRI may be used to check for other signs of brain infection, as well as any injury to the brain that may have already occurred. A Cranial ultrasound may be done in young infants whose fontanelles or the soft spot in the skull, remain open.

Blood tests. Blood cultures and other examinations may be done to check for additional abnormalities caused by a widespread infection or inflammatory process that includes the brain.

​Treatment depends on the cause.

 

Bacterial infections often require intravenous antibiotics, while viral infections may need supportive care or antiviral medications. Fungal, parasitic and tuberculous infections of the brain and spine require much longer treatment. Surgical intervention is often necessary in more complicated cases, such as those with hydrocephalus.

​

Early detection and prompt treatment are critical, as untreated CNS infections can lead to neurological damage, developmental delays, or even death.
 

Prevention

Vaccination is one of the most effective ways to prevent CNS infections, especially against bacterial causes like pneumococcal, Haemophilus influenzae type B (Hib), and meningococcal bacteria; as well as viral cause particularly Japanese B Encephalitis virus. In regions where these vaccines are widely administered, the incidence of bacterial meningitis has dropped dramatically.

​

Identification of contacts with other forms of tuberculosis require prompt treatment to avoid spreading the infection, especially to more vulnerable individuals.

​

Awareness of lifestyle risks and avoiding activities that predispose to infections should be observed. Handling of livestock should follow regulations and protocols.

 

Immuno-compromised individuals need to be protected and precautions taken to prevent contracting infections.

​​​

Other simple ways to avoid serious infections include proper hand hygiene, food sanitation, and waste disposal and handling.

Remember:

CNS infections in children are medical emergencies that require swift action. Awareness of the symptoms, proper vaccination, early treatment and preventive care can significantly improve outcomes, reducing the risk of long-term complications or fatality.

By staying informed, caregivers and medical professionals can work together to protect children from these life-threatening infections.

bottom of page