children s health issues
Bacterial Meningitis in Newborns
Symptoms of Bacterial Meningitis in Newborns
Older children with bacterial meningitis usually develop a stiff neck and have a headache. Newborns rarely develop a stiff neck and are unable to communicate specific discomfort. In newborns, important signs of illness that should alert hospital staff or parents to a possibly serious problem include Signs of Sepsis in Newborns (for example, temperature too high or too low, trouble breathing, yellowing of the skin and eyes [ Abnormal drowsiness (lethargy) Seizures in Children None Vomiting Unusual fussiness and irritability (particularly a newborn who does not calm down when held) In some newborns with meningitis, increased pressure of the fluid around the brain may make the fontanelles (the soft spots between the skull bones) bulge or feel firm. 