Meningitis is an inflammation and swelling of the membranes surrounding brain or the spinal cord. It can be infectious, caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi or parasites, or non-infectious, due to complications of another illness or exposure to certain medications. Most people survive meningitis, often without any after effects, but in some people meningitis can lead to serious complications, which can be temporary or permanent, physical or emotional, minor or life-altering, and even life-threatening.
Viral vs. Bacterial Meningitis
After effects of meningitis depend on the cause, age of patients and their overall health status. According to the Neurology Channel, viral meningitis is rarely severe, with less than 1 percent of fatal cases, usually resolving in seven to 10 days. On the other hand, bacterial meningitis is often severe, and without treatment it can cause serious long-term complications. It causes death in 25 percent of cases. One of the leading causes of bacterial meningitis in children in the United States is the bacterium Neisseria meningitides, which causes meningococcal disease. In about one in 12 survivors, meningococcal meningitis causes severely disabling complications, according to the Meningitis Foundation of America, or MFA.
Who Suffers from Complications
The longer the patients, especially newborns and young children, have meningitis without treatment, the greater the risk of seizures and permanent neurological damage, according to the Neurology Channel. Patients younger than 2 or older than 60 suffering from pneumococcal meningitis, caused by the bacterium Streptococcus pneumonia, have a very poor prognosis. Neonatal meningitis, which occurs in the first month of life, carries a higher risk of serious complications than most other forms.
Physical After Effects
One of the most common complications of meningitis, affecting one in 10 patients, according to the Meningitis Angels website, is hearing loss. Hearing loss can be temporary or permanent. Patients can also suffer from blindness, dizziness, speech loss, memory difficulties, brain damage, paralysis, encephalitis, seizures and cerebral palsy. Blood poisoning -- called septicemia -- can occur during meningitis, in extreme cases leading to a decreased blood supply to the feet, toes, hands and fingers. According to the Meningitis Angels website, this serious complication may lead to needing skin grafts or even amputation. Other complications include blood-clotting disorders, recurrent headaches, fatigue, persistent fever, digestive problems, kidney failure, adrenal gland failure, coma and even death.
Behavioral After Effects
Behavioral and personality changes are common after effects of meningitis, according to the Neurology Channel. They can include learning disabilities, temper tantrums, moodiness, aggression, disturbed sleep with nightmares, bed-wetting, changes in character, depression and a fear of hospitals and doctors.
Avoiding After Effects
According to the Mayo Clinic, ways to prevent meningitis include washing hands, getting enough rest, exercising regularly, eating healthy and covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing. Pregnant women should avoid uncooked meat and raw cheeses, since they can contain the bacterium Listeria monocytogenes, which can cause meningitis in mothers, and lead to stillbirth or serious life-threatening problems in their babies. Some forms of bacterial meningitis are preventable with immunizations, and available vaccines include haemophilus influenzae type b -- Hib -- vaccine, pneumococcal conjugate -- PCV7, pneumococcal polysaccharide -- PPSV, and meningococcal conjugate vaccine -- MCV4.
