Doctor insights on:
Brain And Spinal Infections In Children
Infections are invasions of some other organism (fungus, bacteria, parasite) or viruses into places where they do not belong. For instance, we have normal gut bacteria that live within us without causing problems; however, when those penetrate the bowel wall and enter the bloodstream, ...Read more
Exam, size, location: Brain and spinal infections often contradict the long-standing surgical belief that infections always need to be drained. In both cases, some infections will benefit from drainage and this is typically done in conjunction with the sampling of the infection to diagnose the particular pathogen. The decision is based on the location and on the amount of volume. Antibiotics is the longterm solution. ...Read more
Serious: These are the worst places to have infections. Your doctors will be vigilant and aggressive in treating infection in the brain tissue and spinal cord. These infections can be in the covering of the brain/spinal cord or in the tissue itself. Each requires different treatment. They usually come from another location and spread to the central nervous system. I hope your son does very well. ...Read more
Clarify please: What is it specifically that is confusing? That would help us focus on the concept that is difficult to understand. ...Read more
Hard to comment: If this is viral it is usually brief with few if any associated problems beyond the symptoms. If this is bacterial is is more worrisome and can have serious complications. Try to get more information from the treatment team. If they do not answer enough of your concerns you are free to ask again. Questions are not linked, so each must have enough basic info to answer. ...Read more
Go to ER now: An infection of the area surrounding the brain can cause meningitis- fever, stiff neck, headache, and changes in conciousness. An infection within the brain itself is encephalitis- causing changes in personality, level of conciousness, and even seizures or other abnormal movements. These conditions are both very life-threatening, but treatable, and should be evaluated by a physician immediately. ...Read more
What location would you puncture spinal cord to draw cerebrospinal fluid if brain has an infection?
Not the spinal cord:
Lumbar puncture is done below the spinal cord itself, usually between 3rd and 4th or 4th and 5th lumbar vertebrae. Spinal cord ends at about first lumbar vertebra but the membranes containing cerebrospinal fluid extend below that. See this site for more info.
http://www. Mayoclinic. Com/health/lumbar-puncture/my00982. ...Read more
Where does a doctor puncture spinal cord to draw cerebrospinal fluid if brain a person has a brain infection?
Below L4: Below l4, where the cord has already divided into the branches of the tail. ...Read more
See below: The majority of sinus infections (as well as ear infections) are caused by viruses and do not require an antibiotic. Medicines to promote mucus drainage may be helpful such as Mucinex (guaifenesin) or decongestants. Decongestants can cause side effects so check with your doctor before starting them. Saline rinses are also helpful. An antibiotic may be needed. ...Read more
No: There is no link between the two. ...Read more
Weak respirations: As Duchennes muscular dystrophy progresses, the muscles of respiration become weakened. As a result the person does not have the forceful breathing and cough to clear secretions from the respiratory tract. As soon as a cold begins you should give vigorous chest physical therapy to mobilize the secretions and if necessary suction them. ...Read more
What is the cause of frequent respiratory infections in children with duchenne muscular dystrophy?
Impaired muscles: When dmd affects the muscles of breathing, patients have difficulty clearing secretions which can lead to increased infections. Chest pt can be useful to break the secretions up and allow them to be cleared. If there is an issue with scoliosis, this should be addressed early to prevent further repiratory compromise later in the disease course. ...Read more
None: There are no substances that naturally cure ear infections. The body's immune system may cure itself and when not, antibiotics are needed. No other things have been shown to cure these infections despite claims made. ...Read more
CSF tests, imaging: While there are certain blood test results or MRI findings that raise the suspicion for infection, a definitive diagnosis often requires a lumbar puncture for analysis of cerebrospinal fluid. That being said, in many cases we will treat infections empirically just based on clinical suspicion, especially if the patient is presenting with seizures or other worrisome signs. ...Read more
Several ways: An infection can reach the brain several ways. Most of the time it is through blood, from another source of infection in the body like the heart, throat or upper airways. Sometimes, it can spread to the brain directly from nearby structures like the sinuses or inner ear. When there is trauma/skull fracture with an open wound, infective organisms can enter the brain directly from the outside. ...Read more
No: Spinal cord injury affects portions of the body b elow the site of the injury. The brain is not affected, but these injuries are frequently very disturbing and sometimes dangerous. The person suffering from this can be depressed and needing of assistance in many other ways. ...Read more
Unlikely: The needle used for a spinal or epidural injection does not come into contact with the bladder. Patients who receive a spinal or epidural injection will often also receive a Foley (bladder) catheter to drain the urine from the bladder because the spinal/epidural may inhibit the ability to urinate. This catheter is the more likely cause of a bladder infection. ...Read more
- Talk to a doctor online
- Infections of the brain
- Inflammation of the meninges brain and spinal cord
- Various types of spinal fluid infection
- Does pilonidal cyst affect brain or spinal cord?
- Leaking spinal fluid after brain surgery
- Spinal fluid leak after brain surgery
- Compare and contrast meninges of spinal cord and brain
- Inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord
- Could spinal stenosis affect the brain