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Riley Children's Health

Central Nervous System Infections

Central Nervous System Infections
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The central nervous system (CNS) is the part of the body’s nervous system that includes the brain and spinal cord. It controls most functions of the body and mind. An infection of the central nervous system can be a life-threatening condition, especially for children with weakened immune systems. These infections need quick diagnosis and immediate treatment by an infectious disease specialist. Bacteria, fungi and viruses are the most common causes of CNS infections.

Central nervous system infections caused by bacteria or fungi can cause illnesses such as:

  • Brain abscesses. This is a collection of pus and infected tissue within the brain.
  • Bacterial meningitis. This happens when bacterial infections enter the bloodstream and travel to the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms of bacterial or fungal central nervous system infections may include:

  • Severe headache
  • Back pain
  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Weakness
  • Fever
  • Seizures
  • Paralysis

Central nervous system infections caused by viruses can cause illnesses such as:

  • Viral meningitis. This is inflammation of the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord.
  • Encephalitis. This is infection and inflammation of the brain itself.

Symptoms of viral central nervous system infections may include:

  • Fever
  • Irritability
  • Not wanting to eat
  • High-pitched cry
  • Head and neck pain
  • Seizures

If you think your child may have a CNS infection, see a doctor immediately.

Diagnosis of Central Nervous System Infections

The doctor will examine your child and look for signs and symptoms of a CNS infection. Testing may include:

  • Blood tests. A blood test examines a sample of blood for evidence of infection.
  • Computed tomograpgy (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). These special imaging tests produce cross-sectional images of the body.
  • Spinal tap. In this test, a small amount of cerebral spinal fluid is obtained to test for infections.

Treatments

Treatments

Treatment for CNS infections varies depending on the type of infection, the location of the infection and your child’s overall health.

For bacterial or fungal CNS infections, treatment may include antibiotics, intravenous (IV) fluids, anticonvulsants for seizures and steroids for brain swelling.

Many CNS viral infections resolve without anti-viral treatment but may require supportive care and can cause long-lasting brain injury. Effective anti-viral medicines are available for CNS herpes simplex virus infection and should be given immediately to children with this infection.

Key Points to Remember

Key Points to Remember

  • Bacteria, fungi and viruses are the most common causes of central nervous system (CNS) infections.
  • An infection of the central nervous system can be a life-threatening condition, especially for children with weakened immune systems.
  • Central nervous system infections caused by bacteria or fungi can lead to a brain abscess or bacterial meningitis.
  • Central nervous system infections caused by viruses can lead to viral meningitis or encephalitis.
  • Treatment for CNS infections varies depending on the type of infection, the location of the infection and your child’s overall health.

Support Services & Resources

Support Services & Resources

Learn more about central nervous system infections at the websites below.

Riley at IU Health offers a broad range of supportive services to make life better for families who choose us for their children's care.

Learn More About Riley Support Services

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

This government website provides information about all types of meningitis, including bacterial, viral and fungal.

National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke

This website offers information about meningitis and encephalitis.

Locations

Locations

Locations

In addition to our primary hospital location at the Academic Health Center in Indianapolis, IN, we have convenient locations to better serve our communities throughout the state.

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Departments Treating This Condition

Departments Treating This Condition

  • Infectious Diseases
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Designated as Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, Ranked in 10 Specialties in 2020-21

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