Anyone's child had viral meningitis?

[Helinher30s]

Hi, I am seriously beginning to think my DS age 4 has viral meningitis. He had a severe case of Hand, foot and mouth 2 weeks ago and complications after this could cause viral meningitis. Anyway, very poorly little boy since Saturday, high temp around 40, severe headache, screaming in pain and photosensitivity. However, within an hour of calpol/ibroprofen his temp is down and he's pretty well and chirpy in himself, eating etc. Then when medicine wears off he's really poorly again. Took him to gp on monday who didn't know and prescribed antib's just in case so he's on day 3 now but no better and still having very poorly episodes. Last night for example, midnight raging temp, headache etc then better after medicine however he started seeing things in the room, flickery things, a dog etc. Hallucinating?? his temp was down to normal though. Have another appt at 11 this morning with gp but as usual he is now bouncing around, cheery and seems well. Does viral meningitis present like this - so up and down or is the gp going to look at me funny with this lively, chatty child - if only he could have seen him through the night for the past 3 nights. He has had no sickness etc... Many thanks, sorry for long post

well, he only has a few of the symptoms, though that doesn't necessarily rule it out

a quick google tells me that there is no treatment and in milder cases advice is to do exactly what you are doing with him

there is a lot of info here

I havent had a child with it but my dh had it around 6 years ago. He had the headaches, temp etc for around a week before he collapsed, we had been to the gp and the hospital twice and both had said it was sinusitis. On the 7th day he was ill then collapsed and took to hospital by ambulance, he didnt know who anyone was and he had thew lumbar puncture and it was viral meningitis. I would push if you dont think the doc is right x

sorry of course i meant to also say, if tou are very worried then take him to hospital straight away

Hi, sorry - no experience with viral meningitis (DD had pneumococcal) and I think you are wise to go back to the GP and explain what's been happening.

One thing you could consider is phone one of the helplines from the various meningitis charities, here for example; they have loads of experience and may be able to give you some more insight to arm yourself with for a GP visit (or may be able to put your mind at rest that with so many ups and downs it is unlikely to be viral meningitis)

I take it you've seen the Meningitis Trust info on viral meningitis

good luck - hope he'll be fine