More specifically concerning meningitis, other common difficulties which are usually short-term in nature are things such as irritability, difficulties in concentration and headaches. As he will probably have forgotten recent work accomplished at school, teachers will need to be warned that your child may need to go back to some easier work to help in regain confidence. He may also need some extra help to sit still and concentrate and may need to be taken to a quiet corner of the classroom for some individual work for a short time each day. Indeed, an entire school day may be too much to cope with at first as he will tire very easily. Such problems should be overcome in time but if they seem to be persisting, it is worth discussing with the teacher whether the child should see an Educational Psychologist who can assess him and devise a remedial programme to help him catch up.
Sleep disorders are also common.
Of these, sleeplessness causes most problems for parents, especially if the child is also overactive in the daytime. Initially it is worthwhile trying to re-establish a normal sleeping pattern by sticking to a routine, making the bedroom as dark as possible and taking the child straight back to bed if he gets out. Sometimes however, medication may be needed for a while for children who do not sleep. Such children often become more active in the daytime which in turns leads to more difficulty sleeping at night. Medicine is the only way to break this vicious circle.