What are the sequelae of bacterial meningitis?

The harm of bacterial meningitis itself is quite serious. If the disease is not effectively treated and controlled, it may cause other complications, such as frequent headaches, difficulty concentrating, low immunity, and short-term memory loss.

1. Although many patients with meningitis can recover completely in a short period of time, meningitis, especially bacterial meningitis, can lead to a variety of sequelae. Some of these sequelae can cause permanent physical disability, while others are less obvious and can affect the patient emotionally. According to the UK's National Meningitis Organisation, complications from meningitis in young children are relatively mild.

2. Complications in young children include childish behavior, temper tantrums, forgetting recently learned skills, bedwetting, and insomnia. Complications of meningitis in older children and adults include: lethargy, frequent headaches, difficulty concentrating, short-term memory loss, clumsiness, balance problems, depression, weakened immunity, emotional instability, and learning difficulties.

3. Deaf. Medical experts remind people with meningitis to have their hearing tested. Hearing testing is especially important for young children whose hearing loss is not easily detected.

4. Other serious complications include brain damage, epilepsy, and vision changes. Behavioural difficulties, such as temper tantrums, aggressive behaviour and mood swings, can become long-term problems.