We are always adding to our list of available resources. If there is something you would like to see, please let us know.
Meningitis can strike anyone, at any time. Symptoms vary and can be difficult to diagnose. Every story is different. Through the bravery and courage of sharing personal stories with other New Zealanders, we can work together to raise awareness of this devastating disease to ensure no other individual or family experiences heartbreak or loss. We strive for a world without meningitis.
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After Meningitis Brochure
Recovery following meningitis or meningococcal septicaemia
The brain is divided into different areas (lobes) and each lobe is responsible for different activities or functions. Meningitis or septicaemia can result in damage to one or more areas of the brain, and the after-effects experienced will vary depending on the area affected.
Speech, Language and Communication Difficulties After Acquired Brain Injury
This fact sheet explains how speech, language and communication problems arise after brain injury and what can be done to help. Communication difficulties may be temporary problems that get better quickly or they may be signs of ABI.
The bacteria that cause meningitis can also cause septicaemia, or blood poisoning. Very bad cases of septicaemia can leave skin scars and deeper damage to muscle and bone. This fact sheet explains how this happens and what can be done to help.
ABI can disrupt any part of the sensory system that transmits and processes sensory information: hearing, sight, smell, taste and touch. It is relatively common to have some sensory disturbance after ABI. Some problems are temporary, whilst others will be permanent.
Meningitis can affect the inner ear causing balance and co-ordination problems as well as deafness and tinnitus. This fact sheet should be read in conjunction with ‘Hearing Loss and Tinnitus After Meningitis.
This fact sheet includes information about the physical effects of ABI including movement and co-ordination problems, headaches, fatigue, epilepsy, hydrocephalus, incontinence, and appetite or weight changes.
Meningitis is one of the leading causes of acquired deafness and approximately 8% of survivors will experience some degree of permanent hearing loss. This information aims to help you understand the care and treatment that should be provided to those with hearing loss after meningitis.
Emotional and Behavioural Effects of Acquired Brain Injury
Meningitis and septicaemia can be a cause of acquired brain injury (ABI). Emotional and behavioural changes as a result of ABI may be short- or long-term and impact on ability to settle back into work, school and social life.
This fact sheet describes how bones might be damaged when a child is ill with meningococcal septicaemia. It also describes how bone growth problems can be identified and then treated as children grow.
Amputation - Including Loss of Finger, Toes and Limbs
This fact sheet describes why amputation of fingers, toes or limbs may be necessary in very severe cases of meningococcal septicaemia. It also describes what to expect during the initial recovery and rehabilitation period.
After receiving expert care in hospital, you can understandably feel anxious about returning home. This leaflet provides general information about what to expect when leaving hospital or recovering at home.
A snapshot into immunisation in NZ - what New Zealanders think, and the role of immunisation in our community and healthcare system. Prepared by Pfizer and The Meningitis Foundation in 2013.
