Meningitis in Adults (cont.)

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Medical Author:

Robert Kacprowicz, MD, FAAEM

Robert Kacprowicz, MD, FAAEM, is board-certified in emergency medicine by the American Board of Emergency Medicine. Dr. Kacprowicz's educational background includes a BS in biology from the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

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Medical Editor:

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, Chief Medical Editor

Melissa Conrad Stöppler, MD, is a U.S. board-certified Anatomic Pathologist with subspecialty training in the fields of Experimental and Molecular Pathology. Dr. Stöppler's educational background includes a BA with Highest Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MD from the University of North Carolina. She completed residency training in Anatomic Pathology at Georgetown University followed by subspecialty fellowship training in molecular diagnostics and experimental pathology.

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Meningitis in Adults Prognosis

The prognosis of meningitis depends on the severity and the cause of the illness.

In those with severe bacterial meningitis or a very fast onset of illness, the death rate can be as high as 90%. If the person survives, even with proper treatment, long-term disabilities can result, including deafness, seizures, paralysis, blindness, or loss of limbs.

In those with less severe cases of bacterial meningitis, the death rate can still approach 25%. Long-term disabilities are possible. The person may require a prolonged period of hospitalization and rehabilitation.