HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Severe Headache When Diagnosed With Meningitis?

default
Posted on Fri, 23 Oct 2015
Question: my daughter has been diagnosed with meningitis but so far we cannot get the swelling to go away. Her headaches are still present sometimes the pain is worse the other times. How she contracted this no one knows. the lumbar puncture shows a high white blood count. And I noticed that after the puncture she felt relief from the headache even though it was only temporary. What else should we be doing. I'm afraid her life depends on finding some kind of treatment very soon. Please help
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dariush Saghafi (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Meningitic swelling

Detailed Answer:
Good morning. I agree that a diagnosis of meningitis is a serious one in anybody be they children and adults and you are correct to say that swelling and other features of the disease can be life threatening. However, she is in the very best place possible for this sort of problem and I know that the doctors are very aware and keen on getting swelling resolved as quickly as possible. However, "swelling" so to speak is usually not the critical element in a bacterial meningitis to worry about but rather getting the infection under control and keeping the patient well hydrated and chemically balanced so that seizures do not occur etc. These are the primary objectives to accomplish in an acute case of meningitis where there is a high white cell count.

If you'd like to give me more details as to what your daughter is receiving in terms of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and if you can describe her mental status such as if she is awake and speaking to people, breathing on her own, or how severe some of her symptoms may be such as headaches, neck pain, etc. then, I may have a better idea of where things are in the spectrum of recovery.

However, it is certain that her doctors are doing everything possible to get on top of this infection and break it down as quickly as possible. The body will need its own time and defenses will have to begin to mount with the help of antibiotics to start and turn things around. Your presence and support of her while she's there is equally important to her speedy recovery and so I do urge that you and your family be with her as much as allowed and permitted.

Certainly, the doctors are the ones to best determine who may or may not be in direct contact with her since she may still be contagious and that is also a concern of theirs so don't be too distressed if they won't allow direct contact with her as much as you'd like.

All the best for a speedy and full recovery.

I hope these responses have satisfactorily given you some assurances and confidence in her doctors' abilities to successfully treat your daughter. If you agree then, may I ask your favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback if you have no further comments or questions?

Also, if that be the case- may I ask you to CLOSE THE QUERY on your end so things can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary?

Please keep me informed as to your daughter's progress with things and do keep me informed as to the outcome of your situation by writing to me about this or any other medical issues you may have at:

bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi

This query has required a total of 17 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dariush Saghafi

Neurologist

Practicing since :1988

Answered : 2472 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Severe Headache When Diagnosed With Meningitis?

Brief Answer: Meningitic swelling Detailed Answer: Good morning. I agree that a diagnosis of meningitis is a serious one in anybody be they children and adults and you are correct to say that swelling and other features of the disease can be life threatening. However, she is in the very best place possible for this sort of problem and I know that the doctors are very aware and keen on getting swelling resolved as quickly as possible. However, "swelling" so to speak is usually not the critical element in a bacterial meningitis to worry about but rather getting the infection under control and keeping the patient well hydrated and chemically balanced so that seizures do not occur etc. These are the primary objectives to accomplish in an acute case of meningitis where there is a high white cell count. If you'd like to give me more details as to what your daughter is receiving in terms of antibiotics, anti-inflammatories and if you can describe her mental status such as if she is awake and speaking to people, breathing on her own, or how severe some of her symptoms may be such as headaches, neck pain, etc. then, I may have a better idea of where things are in the spectrum of recovery. However, it is certain that her doctors are doing everything possible to get on top of this infection and break it down as quickly as possible. The body will need its own time and defenses will have to begin to mount with the help of antibiotics to start and turn things around. Your presence and support of her while she's there is equally important to her speedy recovery and so I do urge that you and your family be with her as much as allowed and permitted. Certainly, the doctors are the ones to best determine who may or may not be in direct contact with her since she may still be contagious and that is also a concern of theirs so don't be too distressed if they won't allow direct contact with her as much as you'd like. All the best for a speedy and full recovery. I hope these responses have satisfactorily given you some assurances and confidence in her doctors' abilities to successfully treat your daughter. If you agree then, may I ask your favor of a HIGH STAR RATING with some written feedback if you have no further comments or questions? Also, if that be the case- may I ask you to CLOSE THE QUERY on your end so things can be transacted and archived for further reference by colleagues as necessary? Please keep me informed as to your daughter's progress with things and do keep me informed as to the outcome of your situation by writing to me about this or any other medical issues you may have at: bit.ly/drdariushsaghafi This query has required a total of 17 minutes of physician specific time to read, research, and compile a return envoy to the patient.