Symptom 8: Seizures – The Unsettling Dance of the Brain
The sight of a newborn experiencing seizures can be genuinely terrifying. A seizure represents a sudden, uncontrolled electrical disturbance in the brain. In the context of neonatal meningitis, seizures are more than just random occurrences. They are an urgent call for help, a siren’s song reflecting the stormy chaos engulfing the baby’s brain.
Seizures in neonates can manifest in subtle ways. You might notice a rhythmical twitching of the baby’s limbs, unusual eye movements, or episodes of repetitive facial grimacing. At times, the entire body may convulse in a manner that’s hard to ignore. Each of these manifestations is like a coded message that the baby’s brain is under attack.
The link between neonatal meningitis and seizures lies in the inflammatory response elicited by the infection. As the meninges – the brain’s protective layers – become inflamed, they can irritate the underlying brain tissue. This irritation can disrupt normal brain activity, triggering seizures.
Detecting seizures in newborns demands a keen eye and immediate response. If your baby exhibits odd movements or seems unusually stiff or floppy, it might be time to seek immediate medical attention. These signs might be the baby’s only way of communicating the tumult within. (8)
