Hospitalisation is usually necessary. In the more serious cases life saving support systems might be also needed. Radiological scanning may be necessary to eliminate rare brain complications such as brain abscess and obstructive hydrocephalus. Heart studies may be necessary to check on a rare cause. A small portion of children with meningitis develop hearing defects so hearing tests should be done routinely.
Complications also can include behavioural disorders, mental retardation and vision defects.
Close contacts may also be at risk where particular bacteria have caused meningitis and living conditions are crowded.