This web site deals with spinal meningitis in small children. When I was eight months old I was hospitalized for three weeks because I had spinal meningitis. When dealing with small children you have to look at the way they act or their expressions. Signs and symptoms in small children include moaning cry, dislike of being handled, arching of the back and neck retraction, lethargic, blank or staring expressions, fever, and may refuse food. In my case I didnt like to be handled, I arched my back and had stiff neck, fever with earache, lethargic, and refused foods. In most small children that are not treated early may have serious brain damage and may end up in a coma. At six months I got very sick with an earache and two months later I was diagnosed with spinal meningitis and almost went into a coma. Meningitis is a very serious illness that should not be taking lightly! For more information click here