How does bacterial meningitis affect the body

Meningitis symptoms strike suddenly and worsen quickly. Bacteria or a virus can cause meningitis. Viral meningitis is more common, but bacterial meningitis is more serious.

It can lead to brain damage, paralysis, or stroke. In some cases, it can be fatal. Many different types of bacteria can cause meningitis. Vaccines are available that target many of these bacteria. For this reason, it's important to know what's causing meningitis.

Even though all types affect the same area of the body, they can have different outcomes and need different treatments. Experts don't always know why meningitis happens.

Some people get it when their immune system is weak or they've recently been sick. A head injury may also increase risk. Bacterial meningitis is more common in infants under 1 year of age and people ages 16 to College students living in dorms or other close quarters are at increased risk.

Also at risk are adults with certain medical problems, including those without a spleen. The central nervous system is made up of the brain, spinal cord, and nerves. Meningitis is an infection that causes the protective membranes of the nervous system to swell. Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord can affect every part of your body. Fever and other symptoms can come on suddenly and progress very quickly, causing devastating effects.

Headache can be an early warning sign of meningitis. Residual headaches may be a problem for some time. Inflammation of the brain can cause a wide range of problems, including cognitive issues and seizures. Trouble with memory and concentration may last well after the illness has passed.

Children may be left with lingering learning difficulties. Swelling in the brain can also interfere with the senses. It can cause ringing in the ears tinnitus , partial hearing loss, or deafness. It may cause speech problems.

Light sensitivity, eye pain, and loss of vision are possible. Inflammation and fever can cause loss of appetite. Sick stomach, nausea, and vomiting are common. Infants and young children may become fussy, irritable, and difficult to comfort. And excessive sleepiness is a symptom of meningitis, so it may be hard to wake a sleeping child. Untreated, meningitis can lead to coma. Poor coordination, dizziness, and clumsiness may remain for some time after a bout with meningitis.

Children may have emotional problems following the illness, including clinginess, moodiness, and sleep disturbances. As bacteria multiply in your bloodstream, they may release toxins septicemia. The invisible after effects of meningitis. Many of the after effects of meningitis aren't immediately obvious. In this blog, Support Manager Cat explains how we can help. The latest updates in prosthetic limbs.

The world of prosthetic limbs is changing fast. Erin Gilbert, our Community Fundraiser, looks into the latest developments aiming to improve the lives of amputees throughout the world, and explains how Meningitis Research Foundation can help those who've lost limbs to meningitis and septicaemia.

After effects in children. Find out more. Support for you. Read more. Meningitis stories shared. Parasites can cause a rare type of meningitis called eosinophilic meningitis. Parasitic meningitis can also be caused by a tapeworm infection in the brain cysticercosis or cerebral malaria. Amoebic meningitis is a rare type that is sometimes contracted through swimming in fresh water and can quickly become life-threatening.

The main parasites that cause meningitis typically infect animals. People are usually infected by eating foods contaminated with these parasites. Parasitic meningitis isn't spread between people. Meningitis can also result from noninfectious causes, such as chemical reactions, drug allergies, some types of cancer and inflammatory diseases such as sarcoidosis.

Meningitis complications can be severe. The longer you or your child has the disease without treatment, the greater the risk of seizures and permanent neurological damage, including:. Common bacteria or viruses that can cause meningitis can spread through coughing, sneezing, kissing, or sharing eating utensils, a toothbrush or a cigarette.

Meningococcal conjugate vaccine. The CDC recommends that a single dose be given to children ages 11 to 12, with a booster shot given at age If the vaccine is first given between ages 13 and 15, the booster is recommended between ages 16 and If the first shot is given at age 16 or older, no booster is necessary.

This vaccine can also be given to children between the ages of 2 months and 10 years who are at high risk of bacterial meningitis or who have been exposed to someone with the disease.

It's also used to vaccinate healthy but previously unvaccinated people who have been exposed in outbreaks. Mayo Clinic does not endorse companies or products. Advertising revenue supports our not-for-profit mission. This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version.

Overview Meningitis is an inflammation of the fluid and membranes meninges surrounding your brain and spinal cord. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic. Meningitis Open pop-up dialog box Close. Meningitis Meningitis is an infection and inflammation of the fluid and three membranes meninges protecting your brain and spinal cord.

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