Is Meningitis Harmful?

Of the two forms of this infectious disease afflicting the young, bacterial meningitis is the least common and the most dangerous. It carries serious complications and can be life threatening if not treated quickly.

Description

• Meningitis, also known as spinal meningitis, is inflammation of the membranes covering the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by various bacteria or viruses. Although rare, bacterial meningitis is by far the more serious form of the disease. Viral (or aseptic) meningitis is much more common and often so relatively mild that it goes undiagnosed.

At Risk

• Although generally associated with teens and young adults, meningitis can also be contracted by younger children---even infants. The viral or bacterial infection is spread by deliberate or inadvertent contact with infected body fluids of the nose and throat, such as by sneezing, kissing or sharing eating utensils.

Symptoms

• Milder cases of meningitis, especially the viral form, can mimic simple flu symptoms. Bacterial meningitis symptoms can include all or some of the following: fever, headache, vomiting, stiff neck, diarrhea, light sensitivity and lethargy.

Complications

• One of the most common side effects of bacterial meningitis is hearing loss. Visual impairment, seizures and learning disabilities can result. However, if bacterial meningitis is treated promptly, a full recovery can usually be expected.

Long-Term Effects

• Although most children fully recover from both forms of the disease, bacterial meningitis can occasionally result in permanent hearing loss, blindness or brain damage.