Overview Of The Causes And Complications Of Meningitis

Issues With Gait

Meningitis can cause issues with gait both during the course of the disease and afterward. Balance is controlled in part by the inner ear. The ears and brain work together to help establish a sense of equilibrium. When meningitis causes the brain to swell, this equilibrium is often disrupted, which leads to dizziness and a loss of balance. Some individuals may fall. These cases tend to resolve once the meningitis is treated and the person has recovered. In other cases, there may be more permanent damage to the brain that leads to gait abnormalities. While recovering from meningitis, doctors should keep an eye on a patient's cognitive function and physical function to assess any neurological abnormalities. Issues with gait can include unsteadiness, trouble staying balanced, and difficulty walking in general. Some patients experience vertigo, lightheadedness, and dizziness. Not all problems with gait are neurological, and it's possible to have gait problems that have nothing to do with meningitis. The potential complications from gait abnormalities include trauma, injury, pain, and inflammation.