Viral and bacterial infections are the most common causes of meningitis.
Signs that the condition will cause long-term effects can begin during the acute phase.
An intense or prolonged bout of meningitis is more likely to produce lasting consequences than a mild case.
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Delayed treatment or underlying medical illness can also increase the risk of complications.
Hearing may be impaired during the acute phase of the infection.
Complications generally cause profound symptoms during the acute phaseincluding confusion, difficulty breathing, and loss of consciousness.
These health issues require prompt medical treatment.
Hydrocephalus
Severe meningitis can lead to extensive inflammation, potentially obstructing the flow of CSF in the brain.
This may result in fluid accumulation in the brain, which is described as hydrocephalus.
Sometimes hydrocephalus places pressure on the brain and can be life-threatening.
Viral and noninfectious meningitis do not usually progress to encephalitis.
Bacterial meningitis can lead to encephalitis.
And fungal, parasitic, and amebic meningitis usually involve encephalitis.
Encephalitis poses a high risk of brain damage and/or stroke.
It can lead to prolonged neurological problems.
including cognitive deficits, personality changes, impaired vision, and seizures.
These conditions can be fatal and are more common with bacterial meningitis than with other types.
Avoiding Infection
Many of the infectious organisms that most commonly cause meningitis can be prevented with vaccination.
you could reduce your risk of meningitis and its long-term complications by staying up to date on yourrecommended immunizations.
These include vaccines for mumps, measles, chickenpox,Haemophilus influenzae, pneumococcus, and meningococcus.
Meningococcal vaccinesspecifically aim to prevent bacterial meningitis caused byNeisseria meningitidis.
It is also recommended for children and adults who are at greater risk.
An additional MenB vaccine may be given as further protection against one more serotype.
The second dose would then be given six months later.
Newer vaccines include Penmenvy, a 5-in-1 meningitis vaccine made from two FDA-approved vaccines, Bexsero and Menveo.
Like Penbraya, it protects against diseases caused byN.
Timely diagnosis and treatment with antimicrobials, anti-inflammatories, or any needed treatments will prevent the infection from progressing.
Similarly, noninfectious meningitis can be treated more effectively at an early stage.
2014;9(11):e112016.
Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices.ACIP Recommendations.
