Hi,

Sorry to hear your child had aseptic meningitis. Unfortunately, it is a possible side-effect of IVIG...and one that should have been discussed with you before infusion. It is usually a rate related problem...as in the rate in which it is infused. There is a difference between how fast (rate) and how much (overdose). I assume you mean it was infused faster then recommended...not that he/she was given an overdose (too much).

I had received IVIG for 9 years before getting aseptic meningitis after an infusion. Mine was not rate related (it's not ALWAYS the cause) as my rate was way below the standard (only 60 ml/hr).

I commonly got severe headaches right after infusion for several days. This is why my rate was so low. But my headaches would always go away. It took over 30 days after the AMS for them to go away, but eventually they did.

IVIG crosses the blood brain barrier and can cause inflammation of the meninges. I wonder if the chronic inflammation your child endured actually caused a small leak in the spinal fluid. This would cause chronic headaches...until the leak is fixed. Sometimes these leaks can be very small and therefore not easily detected. I am NOT a doctor and I'm only guessing at a possible cause. I just thought it might be worth asking about.

The other thought was if he/she got steroids as pre-med? Sometimes steroids (particularly by IV) can cause severe headaches. Does your child still receive steroids for their condition? If so, this may be the cause of the headaches. Steroids also cross the blood brain barrier and can cause the same type headache.

Just a couple ideas to think about.

How old is your child? Just wondering if they are of age to adequately report side-effects? It sounds as if he/she is too young as for why the headaches weren't brought to anyone's attention. If he/she is old enough, ask if the headaches subside at all while laying flat and worsen if sitting up. I would also ask if the headaches get worse after steroids (IV)...IF they are receiving them.