My son had spinal meningitis when he was 9 months old.  He was in the hospital for 10 days, but came through it fine.  It cost us 9 grand which took a few years to pay off.  He just got married about a month ago.  The doctor (Dr. Brand), told us the bacteria was normally associated with ear infections, so it wasn't known how it found its way into his spinal column.  We hope the student recovers soon.  You may need to find another doc if  the child isn't improving rapidly by now.