Recovery after meningitis

Meningitis is a disease that can strike quickly, but its impact can last a lifetime. Everyone’s experience of meningitis is different and the recovery process – emotionally and physically – for each individual, or family, can vary immensely.

Serious and potential long-term after-effects of meningitis are usually identified whilst a person is still in hospital, in these cases follow-up care and recovery will be unique to each individual.

Most people will make a good recovery from meningitis, but for many they recover from the very acute phase of the illness only to find that whilst trying to get back to their everyday activities they are experiencing some difficulties.

For survivors, persistent headaches, tiredness, memory problems, personality changes and depression are just some of the ‘hidden’ after-effects they can experience. Because visibly they seem to have made a good recovery, it can be very difficult to make health professionals, family and friends understand that meningitis can still have a big impact on their lives and cause these ongoing problems.

We have lots of resources about the impact of different types of meningitis, which can sometimes help to show others the extent of the after-effects that can be experienced.

For adults getting back to work can be a huge pressure, we have resources that can help your employer understand what meningitis is and the effects it can have. Most people find a gradual return to work allows them and their employer’s time to adjust.

For children and adolescents returning to education is the goal. This can be a difficult time, trying to catch up on work missed and seeing friends again. Many children struggle getting back to school life. Even with a good recovery, problems can occur as children grow and try to adapt to new environments.

If you are concerned about your recovery or possible complications at any time speak to your GP or ask to be referred back to the hospital where you received your care.