In the very young baby and there may be bulging of the skin above the forehead where the bones of the scalp have not yet completely joined. This is due to increased pressure inside the skull. Pus-forming meningitis may be caused by germs spreading from other areas of infection such as the throat, the ears and the sinuses. It may follow a fracture of the skull. Antibiotics are used to treat this form of meningitis.
Hospitalisation is usually necessary.
In the more serious cases life saving support systems might be also needed. Radiological scanning may be necessary to eliminate rare brain complications such as brain abscess and obstructive hydrocephalus. Heart studies may be necessary to check on a rare cause. A small portion of children with meningitis develop hearing defects so hearing tests should be done routinely. Complications also can include behavioural disorders, mental retardation and vision defects.