Meningitis in Children (cont.)
IN THIS ARTICLE
- Meningitis in Children Overview
- Meningitis in Children Causes
- Meningitis in Children Symptoms
- When to Seek Medical Care
- Exams and Tests
- Meningitis in Children Treatment
- Self-Care at Home
- Medical Treatment
- Medications
- Next Steps
- Follow-up
- Prevention
- Outlook
- For More Information
- Web Links
- Synonyms and Keywords
- Authors and Editors
Outlook
The prognosis for meningitis depends on the exact cause and severity of infection. At the time of initial treatment and diagnosis, a doctor is unable to tell a person the exact prognosis and possible recovery outlook.
- Bacterial meningitis can rapidly progress within hours and end in death despite the most advanced medical care. If a child survives a severe case of bacterial meningitis, the child may have long-term disabilities, including visual troubles, hearing difficulty, seizures, paralysis, and decreased mental function.
- In very mild cases of bacterial meningitis that are treated early, a child may completely recover over the course of a few weeks with rehabilitation.
- Viral meningitis tends to be a much less severe infection and normally can be treated at home on an outpatient basis. Most children with viral meningitis get better within 2 weeks.
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Meningitis, Bacterial »
Bacterial meningitis is a life-threatening illness that results from bacterial infection of the meninges.
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