Brain damage and epilepsy

Severe brain damage

Severe brain damage following meningitis is not common and is usually obvious within a few days of becoming ill. The level of damage to the brain may not be clear early on and it may take some time for health professionals and families to understand the full implications.

Epilepsy (seizures)

This can happen in a small number of people. It is not always immediately obvious and, occasionally, children and adults who have recovered from meningitis go on to develop epilepsy which needs long-term medication and assessment.

What we can do for you

We specialise in the aftercare and support of people affected by meningitis. Last year we helped 20,000 people through our unique range of free services and community support. We are here for you.

We can:

• Offer free, professional support to anyone affected by meningitis; however and whenever it’s needed.
• Help to ease the burden of meningitis by providing financial support grants. The grants can pay for many items including, but not limited to, specialist equipment, respite care for families, therapies, travel and accommodation costs for hospital visits and much, much more.
• Give you free counselling (including art therapy for children and young adults).
• Put you in touch with people who have had a similar experience through our one-to-one network.
• As the leading voice on the impact of meningitis, we can help with any questions or queries on the disease. Our helpline is available 24-hours a day, 365 days of the year. It’s free and staffed by specially trained nurses, so please get in touch.
• Provide free information on meningitis – leaflets, posters, our DVD, or by sending a member of our community team to do a talk or presentation. Raising awareness of the disease now can save lives in the future.