complications

Last reviewed 01/2018

Complications of meningitis are most common following bacterial meningitis and include:

  • hydrocephalus
  • brain abscess
  • brain damage
  • seizure disorders
  • focal neurological deficits, for example of the cranial nerves leading to sensorineural hearing loss, anosmia, gaze palsies and other lesions
  • hearing impairment can occur in up to 10% of children, with bacterial meningitis and is not necessarily influenced by the rapidity with which the diagnosis is made and treatment started.
  • hemi- and quadraparesis
  • muscular hypotonia
  • ataxia