What is Meningitis?

Meningitis causes a swelling of the lining around the brain and spinal cord. Some of the bacteria can also trigger septicaemia which is the blood poisoning and a serious form of the disease. This is a serious condition, with a rapid onset, that is most often seen with meningococcal meningitis, causing meningococcal septicaemia. The patient must receive immediate medical attention.

Almost half of all cases in the UK occur in the under fives with a high risk of serious and permanent disability affecting survivors, such as brain damage and amputations. Hearing loss is one of the most common long-term after effects of meningitis that affects up to one quarter of survivors.

Meningitis can strike without warning, and with such devastating results, it is no wonder that the fear is so acute. This can lead to panic when a child is sickly, but panic can lead to confusion and make a worrying situation worse.

At the critical time, would YOU remember whether the rash, a later symptom of the disease, should remain or disappear when subject to the traditional tumbler test? As a speedy reaction to a positive result is vital, the need for certainty is of even greater importance.