Viral Meningitis
(Aseptic Meningitis)
Definition |
Causes |
Risk Factors |
Symptoms |
Diagnosis |
Treatment |
Prevention |
Organizations
Definition
Viral meningitis is inflammation of the meninges. The meninges is the membrane covering the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is cause by a virus. It is much less serious than bacterial meningitis.
Causes
A number of viruses can cause viral meningitis. These include:
- Enteroviruses
- Herpesviruses
- Mumps
- Varicella virus (chickenpox)
- Measles
- Rubella viruses
Most of these viruses are capable of causing encephalitis. This is an inflammation of the brain tissue and is a much more serious condition.
Viruses that cause meningitis can be spread in numerous ways:
- Enteroviruses are spread:
- Via direct contact with respiratory secretions of an infected person
- Through feces
- Other viruses (mumps, herpes, chickenpox) are spread though close personal contact or (in some cases) through the air.
- Some viruses that cause encephalitis are spread by insects.
Risk Factors
A risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition.
- Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV infection (which itself can lead to meningitis/encephalitis)
- Immunosuppressive treatments
- Crowded, unsanitary conditions
- Season: Summer and early fall
Symptoms
Classic symptoms of viral meningitis include:
- High fever
- Headache
- Very stiff, sore neck
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Sensitivity to bright lights
- Sleepiness
In newborns and infants:
- Inactivity
- High fever (especially unexplained high fever)
- Irritability
- Vomiting
- Feeding poorly or refusing to eat
- Tautness or bulging of soft spots between skull bones
- Difficulty awakening
Diagnosis
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and perform a physical exam with emphasis on the nervous system. An MRI or CT scan may be done to rule out other causes of the inflammation, such as a tumor.
If bacterial meningitis is suspected, the following tests may be done:
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) – removal of fluid from the lower spinal column to be tested for bacteria (bacterial cultures)
- Other cultures – blood, urine, mucous and/or pus from skin infections
Treatment
Treatment includes:
- Rest and fluids
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Aspirin – Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children with a current or recent viral infection. Check with your doctor before giving a child aspirin.
- If encephalitis is present, intravenous antiviral drugs and other medications (corticosteroids)
Prevention
Prevention includes:
- If you are in close contact with an infected person, wash your hands frequently.
- If changing the diaper of an infected infant, wash hands immediately afterwards.
- If you work in a childcare setting, regularly wash objects and surfaces handled by children with a diluted bleach solution.
- If you've never had measles, mumps, rubella and chickenpox, consider being vaccinated.
Organizations
Meningitis Foundation of America
http://www.musa.org
SOURCES:
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
National Center for Infectious Diseases
The Merck Manual of Medical Information, 17th ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc., 2000.
Last reviewed June 2001 by Medical Review Board
