Meningitis is a disease whose complications are very serious. Therefore, it is very important to start treatment as soon as possible, which reduces the risk of the appearance of the he alth-threatening effects of the disease. Check out the complications of meningitis.

Complications of meningitisdepend on many factors: the etiology of the disease, the age of the patient, but above all, how quickly the meningitis is diagnosed and how quickly it is implemented proper treatment.

The effects of meningitis may be permanent or temporary, with the duration of the temporary complication varying.

The complications most often affect patients with bacterial meningitis, less often those who develop viral meningitis. Complications of fungal meningitis and parasitic meningitis are very rarely seen, mainly because these types of meningitis are infrequently diagnosed and are fatal in most cases. Complications of meningitis other than microbial infection are even more rare.

Meningitis: complications in adults

  • inflammation of the brain leading to permanent damage to the brain
  • partial or complete hearing loss due to destruction of the Corti organ (spiral organ); according to research, it occurs in about 10% of all cases of meningitis
  • partial or complete loss of vision
  • mental retardation of very different severity; impairment is diagnosed in about 5-15 percent of all cases
  • memory disorders and concentration problems
  • problems with motor coordination
  • speech disorder
  • mental he alth problems such as depression, anxiety, weakness and fatigue
  • extensive scars on the skin
  • paresis and paralysis of the limbs or paralysis of the whole body
  • gangrene, which means limb amputation

Children may also experience some of the above-mentioned side effects of meningitis. However, for this age group different are characteristiccomplications.

Meningitis: complications in newborns and infants

There is a risk of cerebral palsy in newborns and infants, as well as the formation of hydrocephalus caused by inflammatory adhesions. They disrupt the communication between the cerebral ventricles and the subarachnoid space. As a result, the circulation of the cerebrospinal fluid is impaired.

Other complications include otitis media, arthritis, and sepsis.

Vaccination prevents bacterial meningitis

In young children, complications can include learning difficulties or seizures. In addition, children may complain of nightmares and sleep disturbances (bedwetting may also appear). In young children, the effects of meningitis often include problems with aggression and anger management.

Category:

Neurology