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Long-Term Side Effects of Meningitis

Meningitis, which is usually caused by an infection, is the swelling of the meninges and fluid around the brain and spinal cord. In most cases, people recover without further effects. However, in some cases, meningitis can cause long-term disabilities and complications.

  1. Symptoms

    • The hallmark symptoms of meningitis, according to the Mayo Clinic, are stiff neck, headache and fever. Other symptoms include rash, vomiting, seizures, difficulty concentrating and loss of appetite.

    Risk Factors for Long-Term Side Effects

    • Patients who require intensive care treatment, babies under one year old and those who had bacterial rather than viral meningitis are at an increased risk of long-term effects, according to the Meningitis Research Foundation.

    Types of Long-Term Effects

    • Potential long-term effects of meningitis include memory loss, coordination problems, recurrent residual headaches, deafness or other hearing problems, learning difficulties, cerebral palsy, speech problems, seizures and loss of sight.

    Treatment

    • The earlier meningitis is treated, the less likely it is to cause long-term side effects. Those in close contact with an infected person should also get antibiotics, according to the National Meningitis Association.

    Prevention

    • There are several vaccines to help prevent meningitis. The pneumococcal vaccine is part of routine childhood vaccination, and the meningococcal conjugate vaccine is given to children around age 11, according to the Mayo Clinic.

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