Most people who get meningitis and septicemia survive, often without any after affects, but these diseases can cause a range of disabilities and problems that can alter people's lives. After effects may be temporary or permanent. People respond to their own situations differently, but frequently are unsure of what to expect after meningitis or septicemia. Relatives and friends may also feel the need for information, because the person who is recovering often needs a great deal of support. Getting over meningitis or septicemia can make major demands on people. Fortunately, some problems improve and disappear over time.
Facebook Support Group:
Viral Meningitis: Living with the Aftermath
Facebook Support Group:
Bacterial Meningitis: Living with the Aftermath
After affects of Meningitis
- Deafness
- Memory loss / difficulty retaining information / lack of concentration
- Clumsiness / coordination problems
- Residual headaches
- Learning difficulties (ranging from temporary learning deficiencies to long term mental impairment)
- Epilepsy / seizures (fits)
- Weakness, paralysis or spasms of part of body
- Speech problems
- Loss of sight/changes in sight
After affects of Septicemia
- Memory loss / difficulty retaining information / lack of concentration
- Clumsiness / co-ordination problems
- Arthritis / stiffness in joints
- Scarring / skin damage
- Amputations - for example, fingers, toes, arms or legs
- Kidney damage
- Lung damage
Who has after affects?
Most people recover with no after affects and not all after affects are permanent. The likelihood of getting after affects from meningitis or septicemia depends on several factors including the type and severity of the illness. People who have been desperately ill may have spent a long time in intensive care. Research has shown that intensive care can be a distressing experience both for the person who has the illness and for their family. Currently the majority of cases of bacterial meningitis and septicemia are caused by meningococcal infection. This produces severely disabling after effects in about one in twelve survivors, although patients who have severe meningococcal septicemia tend to have a worse outcome.
After meningococcal disease, pneumococcal meningitis is the main type and it is more likely to produce serious damage. Neonatal meningitis (occurring in the first month of life) also carries a higher risk of after affects than most other forms. A person recovering from viral meningitis may experience similar problems to someone who has had bacterial meningitis, but will rarely have severe after affects. It make take several weeks to months to recover after viral meningitis. Careful and early follow up of patients discharged after meningitis and septicemia is important. All patients should have hearing test because deafness is the most common after affect of bacterial meningitis. An estimated 25% of people who survive meningitis or septicemia will have less obvious after affects, such as difficulties with co-ordination, concentration and memory. These are usually temporary.
Good and bad days
Although some people are completely back to normal within a matter of weeks, it can take many months to recover from meningitis and septicemia. People often find that they have days when they feel very good, and others when they feel so bad that they worry they are becoming ill again. It is important to 'listen' to the needs of your body. There is no magic formula to feeling better, because the body needs time to recover fully. It is important to mention to employers and teachers that you may need time off. Help and support from your family doctor can be invaluable, and a doctor's note will be necessary if you need a longer period of rest.
Emotional after affects that may occur after Meningitis and Septicemia:
- Clinginess
- Temper tantrums
- Moodiness or aggression
- Disturbed sleep / nightmares
- Bed-wetting
- Changes in character
- Learning difficulties
- Depression
- Fear of doctors and hospitals
- Other behavioral and emotional problems
Your Guide: Recovering from childhood meningitis and septicemia
Your Guide provides in depth information about recovery and potential after effects of meningitis and septicemia.
