Ataxia and deafness in children due to bacterial meningitis

Eight children with postmeningitis ataxia had detailed neurologic, audiologic, and neurovestibular evaluations. Prolonged fever, prolonged hyponatremia, or septic arthritis occurred in six during hospitalization. Severe to profound sensorineural hearing losses were present in seven of the children. Electronystagmography was abnormal in three of seven children. In seven children, the ataxia has persisted, but steady improvement has been observed during the course of repeated examinations. Hearing should be evaluated routinely in any child who develops meningitis.