question

[marcie]

Hi, My name is Marcie and all i know is I had spinal meningitis when i was a baby. Im now 22 and the only thing I have ever noticed was hearing loss (left ear). But lately I have noticed Im having memory problems. The past year its been getting worse but over the past month i have really started to notice. Also, i go through spurts of just being so tired. Im just wondering if that is related to the meningitis or something else. Will i have any effects from it appear or if i havent had them they wont come?

[dmat01]

I really do not know how to answer your question about how long is might take to have after- effects or if what you describe are after-effects of the meningitis or some other issue to be addressed. If you have not had any issues over the numerous years-- I would certainly tell you that you need to talk to your primary care provider and share what you experienced with mengititis and what you are experiencing now. Regardless of rather or not someone has had meningitis at some point in thier life- if the symptoms you have describe start occuring- a check up with a physican is the first place to start asking any questions. Your Physican may send you for additional assistance from a Infection Control Doctor or a neurologist. They might do a CAT Scan or MRI to compare to your testings of the time period that you experienced the onset of the disease.

Don't panic just bacause you read of the symptoms and after-maths which so many experience from the onset an ongoin recovery from thier illness. It sounds as if you might have been very fortunate and escaped what so many experience after a struggle to live through and after the disease has stuck them so hard. I encourage you to get back on the site and share with us what you have found out after a visit with your physican.

The one thing I have learned through this journey- most phyiscans have never treated any patients with any of the various forms of meningitis. If you find that your physican does not have any asnswers- then ask that he/she refers you to someone whom has treated this disease. I can honestly say- most of the doctors whom have treated my husband have not treated cases themselve- but they have become very intersted in his case. Through my husband- they are gaining the answers for others which they were not able to provide for us. Sometimes, that is how it is, everyone learning at the same time, with what is occuring , and trying various avenues waiting to see what happens next.

I look forward to a follow-up post from you. God Bless!

[azropar]

I also had bacterial meningitis when I was 22 months old. About 3 years ago (now that I'm in my 40's) I started having muscle tics, tingling, and some memory issues. After 3 different neurologists & 3 different MRI's, along with other testing, I still don't have a clear answer what is wrong. The last neurologist said that it may be related to the meningitis. I'm fairly well medicated for the muscle tics now. After living with this for 3 years though my mother casually mentioned that after I got out of the hospital with meningitis, I would jump & twitch at any sudden noises. Has anyone else had a similar experience with muscle tics?

Allison