Meningitis
Meningitis is an infection affecting the lining surrounding the brain and spinal cord. This infection can be caused by either virus, bacteria, fungi or other parasites. There is inflammation in the membranes (meninges) covering the brain and spinal cord. Infection starting here can travel to other parts of the body and even enter the central nervous system. Bacterial meningitis can be life threatening if not treated at once. Complications of bacterial meningitis can involve hearing loss, visual impairment, seizures and learning disabilities. Viral meningitis is more common. Viral meningitis is also called aseptic meningitis. Meningitis spreads through person-to-person contact and sharing infected utensils or items.
Symptoms of viral meningitis are flu-like - fever, diarrhea and runny nose. The patient is likel to feel lethargic and irritable. Headaches and stiffness in the neck are not uncommon. There may be sensitivity to light. Meningitis can lead to skin rashes that look like red pin pricks. In rare cases, there may be seizures. To diagnose meningitis, a doctor may resort to throat culture or CT scan of hte chest, skull or sinuses. A spinal tap allows analysis of cerebrospinal fluid.
Cases of viral meningitis resolve on their own in a week or so. Pain medications can alleviate fever and body ache. The patient must get sufficient rest and drink plenty of fluids. Antibiotics are suggested in certain cases, even for persons who are in close contact with the patient.
Reye's Syndrome
Though the occurence of Reye's Syndrome is rare, it is a potentially life-threatening condition. Typically, a patient suffering from Reye's syndrome has elevated levels of ammonia and acidity in the blood and reduced blood sugar levels. There is swelling in the liver and in serious cases in the brain. This can lead to a comatose condition. Usually this syndrome occurs in chldren under 15 years; though there has been a substantial decrease in the number of cases. Usage of aspirin to treat a viral infection is thought to be one of the factors that triggers Reye's syndrome in children and teenagers. Often Reye's syndrome is confused with meningitis, encephalitis or mental illness. It is essential to treat this condition in the early stages, lest it lead to permanent brain damage. Usually Reye's Syndrome is preceded by a viral illness. The symptoms of Reye's syndrome are nausea, rapid breathing, unusual sleepiness and lethargy. Other symptoms are persistent vomiting and diarrhea. The affected child might exhibit bizarre behavior. In a matter of a few hours, the condition can worsen and there can be seizures or convulsions and loss of consciousness. There may be muscle function loss or paralysis of the arms or legs.
A child affected by Reye's Syndrome must be given adequate fluids and electrolytes. It is essential There must be balanced and nutritional food. If there is difficulty in breathing, a respirator can provide relief. Medication is given to reduce intracranial pressure. Avoid food that upsets the child's stomach and try and keep the fever under control. A variety of diagnostic tools ranging from head CT Scan or MRI to spinal tap (lumbar puncture) and liver biopsy can help in detecting Reye's syndrome. In addition to blood and urine tests, a spinal tap is conducted to rule out meningitis or encephalitis. Liver biopsy is useful in ruling out diseases of the liver.
Precocious Puberty
Precocious puberty is an uncommon condition that occurs when puberty begins before the age of eight in girls and before age nine in boys. The signs and symptoms of precocious puberty:
In Girls:
- Development of breasts
- Hair development underarm or in public parts
- Rapid height growth
- Onset of menstruation
- Acne
- Adult body odor
In Boys:
- Enlargement of testicles
- Hair growth in face (usually grows first on the upper lip), public parts /underarm
- Rapid height gain
- Deepening of voice
- Acne
- Adult body odor
In some children 'partial' precocious puberty could be seen. Girls may show breast development that later disappears or may persist without any other physical changes of puberty. Such children with partial precocious puberty should be evaluated by a medical professional to rule out any other health problems. By and large such instances do not require any treatment and usually will show the other expected signs of puberty at the right age.
Causes for Precocious Puberty
Abnormalities in ovary and testicles may contribute to precocious puberty. Problems in the ovaries, thyroid gland disorders can also cause the onset of puberty ahead of schedule. Sometimes precocious puberty is the result of a structural problem in the brain such as a tumor, brain injury due to head trauma, infection such as meningitis that triggers puberty to begin early. In a majority of girls there is no underlying medical problem but they simply start puberty too early for no known reason. Certain types of environmental contamination like environmental toxins could play a role in causing precocious puberty.
Central precocious puberty
- Tumor in the brain or spinal cord
- Infection such as encephalitis or meningitis
- A birth defect in the brain such as hydrocephalus or hamartoma (tumor)
- Radiation to brain or spinal cord
- Injury to brain or spinal cord
- Ischemia
- McCune Albright Syndrome - a genetic disease that affects the bones and skin color and causes hormonal problems
- A group of inherited disorders known as Congenital adrenal hyperplasia which involves abnormal hormone production by the adrenal glands.
- Hypothyroidism
Bibliography / Reference
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