>>> Meningitis Test
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.
The Symptoms of meningitis
Meningitis and septicaemia symptoms can appear in any order, but usually begin with fever, vomiting, headache and feeling unwell – i.e. mild illness.
Usually, these are followed by painful limbs, cold hands and feet and pale or mottled skin. Serious symptoms, neck stiffness, drowsiness or confusion and rash, may not appear until later.
In babies, other symptoms include irritability, a high pitched or moaning cry, refusing feeds and a bulging soft spot on the head.
On dark skin, remember to check paler and more ‘inaccessible’ areas, such as inside the eyelids, the roof of the mouth, above the hairline, palms, soles and stomach.
You should know how to recognise the signs and symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia. In some cases, acting quickly to get medical help can mean the difference between life and death.
Remember, symptoms may sometimes develop slowly, but the person can become ill very quickly.
The test consists of two simple stages. First the cover must be removed and the clear lens pressed firmly onto the skin where the rash appears, directly onto the spots or blotches. You are looking to see whether the spots or bruises fade or remain visible.
It is important to remember that it is more difficult to detect the rash on dark skin. In this case, look inside the eyelids, the roof of the mouth or lighter parts of the body, including the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and stomach.
The rash can start anywhere on the body, normally beginning as tiny red or brown pin-pricks, but may quickly develop to look like larger red or purple spots or blotches – be aware and remember that if you are at all uncertain to seek medical attention immediately.
How to interpret the results – the rash does NOT fade
If the rash does not fade under pressure this is a sign of septicaemia, which is caused by the same bacteria that cause meningitis. This is a medical emergency and the patient must receive medical help immediately, without delay.
Early treatment means the best chance for a good recovery. Trust your instincts.
How to interpret the results – the rash DOES fade
The symptoms of meningitis and septicaemia can develop very quickly and the rash is often one of the later symptoms to appear.
Remember, a very ill person needs medical help even if there are only a few spots, a rash that fades or no rash at all. Trust your instincts.
If the individual is persistently sickly (see symptoms page), seek medical advice or, for further information, call Meningitis Research Foundation’s Freefone 24 hour helpline, 080 8800 3344, or the NHS Direct 24-hour helpline, 0845 4647.
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