posted on Jul, 23 2011 @ 08:55 PM
reply to post by dalemcfad
I have encountered two people that have had meningitis, one was bacterial and one was viral. Both recovered completely with no complications. The
patient that had the bacterial meningitis was a teenage girl, she was hospitalized for a month, and the patient with viral meningitis was a middle
aged man with diabetes, who spent about 10 days in the hospital.
The clinical manifestations of either meningitis are:
restlessness, agitation, irritability, abdominal and back pain, nausea, vomiting, severe headaches, stiff neck, positive Brudzinski's sign which
includes pain, resistance, hip and knee flexion when the neck is flexed towards the chest while lying in an upward facing position (supine), and
Kernig's sign with includes pain and or resitance that occurs with flexion of the knee and hip and straightening of the knee while in the upright
supine position, and also photophobia or sensitivity to light; chills and high fever, confusion and altered levels of consciousness, seizures, and
signs and symptoms of Intra cranial pressure. Symptoms are worse with the bacterial infection. So yes, confusion is to be expected and a normal part
of the infection.
The inflammation of the meningis, a 3 fold membrane that lines the brain and spinal cord, is what is causing her confusion. The virus is most likely
peaking at this time and causing some swelling,which is causing her confusion. But this is the body's natural inflammatory reaction to the virus and
is typically of short duration. She should have no problems recovering if she has no other complications.
Let me know if this information is sufficient. Seems like she is experiencing the worst of it now. Hang in there, it sounds like the medical team
around her are doing a good job and expect her outcome to be full recovery. But nevertheless, keep us updated if anything changes or worsens. Much
light and healing to your daughter and you and your family, you are in my thoughs.