Other long-term effects depend on the cause. For instance, end-stage cancer often results in death. Cases due to a stroke may cause permanent drowsiness and other limitations from brain damage. Drowsiness is not contagious and poses no risk to others. However, if the cause is an infection, such as meningitis , the infection may be contagious.
Specific treatment is directed at the cause.
For instance, a person may need to get antibiotics for an infection or thyroid hormone pills for a low thyroid level. In other people, control of diabetes or other systemic disorders may be needed. A person with depression often needs medications to treat the condition. Those with cancer may need surgery, chemotherapy , or radiation therapy . All medications and surgeries have possible side effects.