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Home >> Meningitis >> Outcomes of meningitis and septicaemia

Outcomes of meningitis and septicaemia

Most people who get meningitis and septicaemia make a full recovery. However, sometimes these diseases can result in a number of disabilities which may be either temporary or permanent.

People respond to their own situations differently, but frequently are unsure of what to expect after suffering from meningitis or septicaemia. Relatives and friends may also feel the need for information as the person who is recovering often needs a great deal of support. Recovering from meningitis or septicaemia can put major demands on people. Fortunately, many problems improve and disappear over time.

Some of the following conditions may result from meningitis or septicaemia infections.

Conditions resulting from meningitis

Conditions resulting from septicaemia

Memory loss/difficulty retaining information/lack of concentration

Memory loss/difficulty retaining information/lack of concentration

Clumsiness/co-ordination problems

Clumsiness/co-ordination problems

Residual headaches

Arthritis/stiffness in joints

Deafness/hearing problems/tinnitus/dizziness, loss of balance

Scarring/skin damage

Learning difficulties, ranging from temporary learning deficiencies to
long-term mental impairment

Amputations - for example, fingers,
toes, arms or legs

Epilepsy/seizures (fits)

Kidney damage

Weakness, paralysis or spasms of part of body (if permanent, sometimes called cerebral palsy)

Lung damage

Speech problems

 

Loss of sight/changes in sight

 

Who is likely to experience problems following meningitis and septicaemia?

Most people recover fully from meningitis and septicaemia and not all conditions are permanent. The likelihood of experiencing long-term or short-term problems after meningitis or septicaemia depends on several factors, including the type and severity of the illness. People who have been severely 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, most cases of bacterial meningitis and septicaemia are caused by meningococcal infection. About one in twelve survivors will suffer serious mental or physical problems. Patients who have severe meningococcal septicaemia tend to have a worse outcome. After meningococcal disease, pneumococcal meningitis is the next leading cause of meningitis and is more likely to result in serious long-term effects. Neonatal meningitis (occurring in the first month of life) also carries a higher risk of long-term problems arising than most other forms of meningitis.

A person recovering from viral meningitis may experience similar problems to someone who has had bacterial meningitis, but the consequences of viral meningitis are rarely severe.

Careful and early follow-up of patients discharged after meningitis and septicaemia is important. An estimated 25% of people who survive meningitis or septicaemia will have less obvious problems, such as difficulties with co-ordination, concentration and memory. These symptoms are usually temporary.

Good and bad days

Although some people are completely back to normal within a matter of weeks after recovering from meningitis or septicaemia, for others it can take many months to recover fully. 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 for patients to 'listen' to their body's needs. There is no magic formula to feeling better, because the body needs time to recover fully. It is important that family members, employers and teachers know that time off may be required during the recovery period. Help and support from family doctors can be invaluable.

Emotional problems that may occur after meningitis and septicaemia infections include:

  • Clinginess
  • Temper tantrums
  • Moodiness or aggression
  • Disturbed sleep/nightmares
  • Bed-wetting
  • Changes in character
  • Learning difficulties
  • Depression
  • Fear of doctors and hospitals
  • Other behavioural and emotional problems.

This content was provided by the Meningitis Research Foundation with support from Novartis Vaccines.