After Meningitis
Time to Recover
After Septicaemia
Hearing & Sight
Severe Brain Damage / Epilepsy
Other After-effects
Time to Recover
Leaving Hospital
Leaving hospital can be a worrying time. A person is not always ready or able to go back to their old lifestyle. If there are serious after-effects rehabilitation will take longer. For some this means many months in hospital, which can cause problems for family life, education or employment. For others, although the stay in hospital may be short, adjusting to life at home can still be difficult.
People recovering from either viral or bacterial meningitis should pay attention to what their bodies are telling them and should be advised not to rush. Plenty of rest can help with the recovery process
We have designed a "Home from hospital" leaflet the aim of which is to help individuals and families who have been affected by meningitis or meningococcal disease understand what to expect when they return home. It will also provide information about where to find further help and support. If you would like a copy of this leaflet please contact us on eolas@meningitis-trust.ie or by phone on 01 2764269.
Emotional Effects
The emotional impact on individuals and families can be huge, even when there is a good physical recovery.
Everyone will respond differently and emotional difficulties will vary depending on age. For example, young children can often experience nightmares, bed wetting, clinginess and temper tantrums. Teenagers can go through a period of depression and find it difficult to express their emotions. Children and adults may experience anxiety and depression, lack of self-esteem and confidence, and behavioural problems such as aggression and mood swings.
Patience and understanding is often the best way forward. Some people may need more support to get them through the bad times.
It's not unusual to feel isolated at this time and many people don't know who to turn to. Talking to someone who understands can be a great help and many people benefit from talking to our helpline staff. The helpline is staffed by specially trained nurses and there is someone ready to listen at any time of day or night. Call the helpline free on 1800 523 196.
Recovery & Young Children
Many children will quickly make a good recovery despite being very ill, but they may still behave differently, demand attention and have unexpected temper tantrums. Younger children can find it hard to explain how they feel.
Serious after-effects can lead to many changes because of frequent hospital visits, ongoing treatment and disruption to family life. Brothers and sisters, particularly younger children, will need extra attention and understanding because they can experience anxiety and feelings of isolation.
It is important that all the family receives the right care and support to meet their needs.
The Meningitis Trust have produced a book "When Monty had Meningitis" aimed specifically at young children who have made a good physical recovery from meningtis but who may be suffering some after effects as a result. The book aims to help young children understand their experience of hospital and their illness using the Meningitis Trust mascot, Monty the duck, as it's central character.
For your free copy of "When Monty had Meningitis" or if you need help, call our 24-hour freephone nurse-led helpline on 1800 523 196.
After Septicaemia Back to top
The after-effects and complications of septicaemia are the result of damage to the major organs of the body such as the skin, brain, kidneys, lungs and heart.
When bacteria invade the body they multiply in the bloodstream and release toxins (poisons). These toxins damage the blood vessels and reduce the flow of oxygen to the major organs including the skin and underlying tissues. This can lead to skin and tissue damage, organ failure and limb loss.
Septicaemia often results in scarring on the body, which can be permanent. Skin grafts and plastic surgery can improve the appearance and restore the function of the injured areas.
In severe cases when tissues die, fingers, toes and limbs sometimes need to be amputated. People who experience complications as a result of septicaemia often have to visit hospital frequently and need many operations. Rehabilitation and recovery can take months if not years.
If you are worried, or just need more information, call our 24-hour freephone helpline 1800 523 196, where a trained nurse will be able to give you help and support.
Hearing & Sight Back to top
HearingHearing loss is the most common after-effect of meningitis. Difficulties can range from mild hearing loss through to profound deafness in one or both ears. Damage to the inner ear can also result in balance problems and tinnitus (ringing in the ears).
It is important that anyone who has had meningitis has a hearing test soon after their illness. If you have not had a hearing test, contact your GP and they will arrange this.
Sight
Meningitis can damage the nerve responsible for sight (optic nerve), resulting in partial loss of vision or blindness in one or both eyes. Many people experience eyesight difficulties due to the optic nerve swelling after their illness. Often, however, this improves over time.
For further information call our 24-hour freephone nurse-led helpline on 1800 523 196.
Severe Brain Damage / EpilepsyBack to top
Severe brain damage following meningitis is not common and is usually obvious within a few days of becoming ill. The level of damage to the brain may not be clear early on and it may take some time for health professionals and families to understand the full implications.
Epilepsy (seizures) can happen in a small number of people. It is not always immediately obvious and, occasionally, children and adults who have recovered from meningitis go on to develop epilepsy which needs long-term medication and assessment.
Other After-effectsBack to top
Learning difficulties and behavioural problems seem to be quite common after meningitis, especially in babies and young children. Fortunately, many of these problems are short-term and improve with time.
When learning and behavioural difficulties are long-term, you may need expert help and support. Many professionals, including GPs, paediatricians, specialist teachers and psychologists, can help to reduce problems and make life easier. Patience and understanding from family, employers, schools and those working with sufferers is vital.
Memory Problems
Memory problems are a common result of brain damage, because many parts of the brain are concerned with storing and processing different kinds of information. The effect of memory loss can vary. Many people experience short-term memory loss, or find it hard to concentrate following meningitis. This can make everyday tasks very difficult and can cause problems when returning to work or school.
Short-term After-effects
Children and adults may experience a wide range of less visible after-effects in the weeks and months after their illness. These can include general tiredness, persistent headaches, clumsiness, giddiness and sore or stiff joints.
For more information on after-effects, call our 24-hour freephone nurse-led helpline on 1800 523 196.
