Complications and Risks of Meningitis

Meningitis can cause serious complications, especially if treatment is late. Many people recover fully, but some are left with lasting harm.

Brain and nerve complications

• Hearing loss: the most common long-term problem after bacterial meningitis. A hearing test is advised after recovery.
• Seizures (fits): during illness, or later as epilepsy
• Brain swelling and raised pressure
• Hydrocephalus: fluid build-up in the brain, sometimes needing a shunt
• Stroke and brain abscess
• Memory, concentration and learning problems
• Vision problems and balance problems
• Cerebral palsy or developmental delay in babies

Body-wide complications

• Septicaemia (blood poisoning): especially with meningococcus, with a non-fading rash, shock and organ failure
• Kidney failure and low blood pressure
• due to poor blood flow in severe meningococcal disease