Can Meningococcal Meningitis cause Parkinson's?

Posted by hanau @hanau, Aug 30, 2022

I had Meningococcal Meningitis in 1975. Subsequently I had urinary problems to present day. Depression low blood pressure and sleep issues. Over the years I've had numerous MRIs. MRIs never showed any Brain Damage until I had a DatScan done and was diagnosed with Parkinson Disease. Are the two diseases related?

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Brain & Nervous System Support Group.

stevegrinstead | @stevegrinstead | Aug 31, 2022

Please check for Superficial Siderosis.

Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Aug 31, 2022

Welcome, @hanau. Given your recent diagnosis, I added your question to the Parkinson's Disease support group as well.

The relationship between bacterial meningitis and the "neuronal damage caused by bacterial pathogen may, in the long-term, influence the onset of neurodegenerative disorders", like Parkinson's, is still being studied. See this research review:
- Neuronal Damage and Neuroinflammation, a Bridge Between Bacterial Meningitis and Neurodegenerative Diseases https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8209290/

I recommend that you follow the Parkinson's Disease group and join the discussions here: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/group/parkinsons-disease/