What long term effects are there with Spinal Meningitis?

Question

When I was 15 months old I was diagnosed with spinal meningitis and I was in a coma for 2 weeks. I was just wondering if there are any long term effects from it and what if any are they? I can't concentrate sometimes or comprehend things and it effects the jobs that I really want because I know in the long run I will be good at them but when I first start, it takes me a while to get the hang of it and no one wants to be bothered with the extra time it takes for me. I get dizzy and sometimes feel nausious. I get sinus headaches alot too but I don't think they are related. Can someone please fill me in a little because I am searching for answers and keep finding dead ends? Thanks!

Answer 1

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Question Regarding:Spinal Meningitis longterm effects

Viewers Question
Are there any long term affects due to having spinal meningitis?

Doctors Answer
There are multiple potential side effects of such an illness. The chance of such problems are dependent upon the particular cause (which bacteria), the age of the patient, how "sick" they were upon the time of diagnosis, and several other factors. Most often these symptoms do not present later in life.

Certainly side effects such as deafness, blindness, seizures, developmental delay, etc are all of significant concern and need to be investigated.

Thank you for your question.

Please remember, information can be subject to interpretation and can become obsolete. Therefore, information should never be a substitute for an open and trusting doctor-patient relationship. Always consult your doctor.

http://www.nmaus.org/about_meningitis/index.htm

For many survivors, the long-term effects can be debilitating, possibly including multiple amputations, hearing loss and kidney damage.

Answer 2

Long Term Effects Of Meningitis

Answer 3

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RE:
What long term effects are there with Spinal Meningitis?
When I was 15 months old I was diagnosed with spinal meningitis and I was in a coma for 2 weeks. I was just wondering if there are any long term effects from it and what if any are they? I can't concentrate sometimes or comprehend things and it effects the jobs that I really want because I know...

Answer 4

Meningitis Side Effects

Answer 5

I know a lady that had spinal meningitis as an adult. She was on a ventilator in a coma for about a week. She suffered some memory and function problems and had to go to rehab for several months to "relearn" everything. She is fine now and has her highly technical job back and has no side effects. I suppose it is possible that your illness may have caused a learning disability, but I think at this point it is academic. The important thing is to learn coping skills and what works for you. You may benefit from carrying around note cards and writing notes on them during the day and then reviewing your notes after work so that you can catch on more quickly. Also refer to your notes during the work day as well. Your employers will applaud your dedication and effort to do a good job.
The sinus headaches could be a result of allergies - and the other symptoms kind of sound like allergies also - but I am not a doctor so please if these symptoms continue discuss them with your doctor. Also - if you do have allergies - beware of the medication you take. Most allergy medications have a dramatic effect on your alertness and ability to learn and retain information - so not always good to start a new job with "Benadryl brain".

Answer 6

I also had this as a toddler and I suffer deafness in my left ear i also have anixety and deppression and a personality disorder I was wondering if maybe having spinal meningitis has something to do with the way I am now. Also I am always light headed and I feel week and faint alot as well.

Answer 7

I had it when I was 15 and I am interested in your inability to concentrate because that was a major problem I found after returning to school. I also had clinical depression but as this was in 1958 nobody bothered about that sort of thing then and you were just left to get on with life.
This was not diagnosed at the time ,in fact I had no after care at all and I am sure this affected my life subsequently.
I can't help about the dizziness and nausea and headaches so they may not be related

Answer 8

Sequelae of meningitis include learning disability, dyslexia, seizures, mental retardation, deafness, blindness, paralysis of one or more limbs, hydrocephalus (water in the brain), cerebral palsy. Inability to concentrate and comprehend may be due to that, but not dizziness, nausea and headaches.

Answer 9

My grandmother died from the bacterial kind. I have never personally known a child who has it but it is THE dreaded disease among all parents, especially if their child is in daycare.
If I were you, I would just call my physician, the nurse may even be able to tell you, if there are any long term effects. Good luck!

Answer 10

I was born with it. They tell me it was touch and go for awhile, then. No side effects yet. I'm 32 now.