Although most people who have meningitis make a good recovery, some can be left with long term after effects including hearing loss, sight loss and acquired brain injury (ABI).
ABI is an injury to the brain that happens after birth. Both meningitis and septicaemia can cause ABI. The brain takes over 20 years to fully develop, so if a child or young person has meningitis, this development may be affected. The changes may not be apparent immediately after illness; it may take months or years for changes to be noticed. Meningitis in adults can also cause ABI, but as the brain is fully developed the impact of any ABI is usually apparent soon after illness.
ABI after meningitis can cause physical, sensory, cognitive, emotional, behavioural and communication difficulties.
After-effects and recovery
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Recovering from meningitis & septicaemia
Recovering from meningitis and septicaemia can be a worrying time and it is understandable that you might feel anxious.
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Acquired brain injury
Both meningitis and septicaemia can cause an acquired brain injury (ABI), an injury to the brain that has happened after birth.
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Emotional changes
The emotional impact of meningitis on individuals and families can be huge, whatever the outcome.
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Hearing loss
Hearing loss is the most common after-effect of bacterial meningitis. Difficulties can range from mild hearing loss through to profound deafness.
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Behaviour changes
Learning and behavioural changes can happen after meningitis, especially in babies and young children.
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Sight problems
Meningitis can cause sight problems which may be permanent or temporary.
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Bereavement support
Losing a loved one to meningitis is one of the hardest things you’ll ever have to face. Meningitis Now is here to help you with emotional and financial support, for as long as you need it