A nationwide cohort study in Sweden found that children diagnosed with bacterial meningitis have a significantly higher risk of long-term disabilities compared to the general population. The study followed 3,623 children with bacterial meningitis and 32,607 controls over 23.7 years, identifying 1052 (29.0%) cases with at least one disability. The highest risks were for behavioral and emotional disorders, hearing loss, and visual disturbances. Adjusted hazard ratios showed a significant increased risk for all seven disabilities, with the highest risk for intracranial structural injuries, hearing loss, and motor function disorders. The risk was higher for pneumococcal meningitis and for children diagnosed at a young age. The study highlights the need for early detection and follow-up for children who have survived bacterial meningitis, especially for less visible disabilities such as cognitive and behavioral issues. The findings emphasize the importance of preventing bacterial meningitis and improving early detection strategies to mitigate long-term disabilities.A nationwide cohort study in Sweden found that children diagnosed with bacterial meningitis have a significantly higher risk of long-term disabilities compared to the general population. The study followed 3,623 children with bacterial meningitis and 32,607 controls over 23.7 years, identifying 1052 (29.0%) cases with at least one disability. The highest risks were for behavioral and emotional disorders, hearing loss, and visual disturbances. Adjusted hazard ratios showed a significant increased risk for all seven disabilities, with the highest risk for intracranial structural injuries, hearing loss, and motor function disorders. The risk was higher for pneumococcal meningitis and for children diagnosed at a young age. The study highlights the need for early detection and follow-up for children who have survived bacterial meningitis, especially for less visible disabilities such as cognitive and behavioral issues. The findings emphasize the importance of preventing bacterial meningitis and improving early detection strategies to mitigate long-term disabilities.