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Suggest Ways To Rule Out Meningitis
Question: Hello doctor, my 3 week old has been admitted in hosp for fever with crp value of 62. Is a spinal tap required?
Brief Answer:
If meningitis is suspected - to rule out meningitis
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. The CRP value is raised, therefore indicating an infection (possibly bacterial). The focus (location) of the infection needs to be located. The localization will depend upon the symptoms, i.e. whether the child has respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. If they are there, a spinal tap is unlikely to be required. If there seems to be no specific localizing signs or symptoms, meningitis is to be suspected and ruled out. In such a case spinal tap would be necessary. A spinal tap would also be considered necessary if there are evident signs of meningitis, eg. photophobia, neurological deficits or neurological signs etc. A clinical correlation is therefore necessary to answer your question.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
If meningitis is suspected - to rule out meningitis
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.
I have gone carefully through your query and understand your concerns. The CRP value is raised, therefore indicating an infection (possibly bacterial). The focus (location) of the infection needs to be located. The localization will depend upon the symptoms, i.e. whether the child has respiratory or gastrointestinal symptoms. If they are there, a spinal tap is unlikely to be required. If there seems to be no specific localizing signs or symptoms, meningitis is to be suspected and ruled out. In such a case spinal tap would be necessary. A spinal tap would also be considered necessary if there are evident signs of meningitis, eg. photophobia, neurological deficits or neurological signs etc. A clinical correlation is therefore necessary to answer your question.
Let me know if I could help further.
Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Doctor will doing a spinal tap have any effects on the baby or any effects while growing up?
Brief Answer:
Unlikely
Detailed Answer:
No, if done properly, there should be no neurological sequel and therefore no problems are subsequently expected.
Regards
Unlikely
Detailed Answer:
No, if done properly, there should be no neurological sequel and therefore no problems are subsequently expected.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to your child health, Talk to a Pediatrician. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
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