Viral meningitis is contagious and infectious disease in which there is an inflammation of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). The membranes and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) encase and bath the brain and spinal cord. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis. Bacterial meningitis is less common. Viral meningitis is also sometimes called aseptic meningitis.
Viral meningitis is caused by a virus and is a serious disease but generally not as serious as bacterial meningitis. Bacterial meningitis can be life-threatening and result in permanent complications, such as coma, shock, and death. People with viral meningitis appear acutely ill and are uncomfortable, but most people will recover within a few days to a few weeks without permanent damage to the nervous system. People at risk for serious complications include those with compromised immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS.
Symptoms of viral meningitis include fever and stiff neck. To learn about additional symptoms and complications, refer to symptoms of viral meningitis.
The most common viruses that cause viral meningitis are called enteroviruses. Enteroviruses are can be spread from person to person through contact with an infected person's stool. Enteroviruses can also be spread through the air by coughing and/or sneezing or through direct contact with an infected person or contaminated surface. Viral meningitis can also develop from certain viral diseases, such as mumps, chickenpox, and herpes virus infection, and influenza. Less commonly, viral meningitis can be caused by the bite of an infected mosquito or by infected rodents.
Making a diagnosis of viral meningitis begins with taking a thorough medical history, including symptoms, and completing a physical examination. Diagnostic tests include a lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap. A lumbar puncture involves withdrawing a small sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spine with a needle. The sample of CSF is tested to rule-out bacterial meningitis and diagnose viral meningitis.
Additional tests may be performed in order to rule out or confirm other diseases that may accompany viral meningitis or cause similar symptoms, such as high fever, headache, and neck stiffness. These may include a throat culture, CT, or X-rays.
It is possible that a diagnosis of viral meningitis can be missed or delayed because symptoms can be mild in some people. Certain symptoms, such as fever and headache are similar to symptoms of other diseases. For more information on diseases that can mimic viral meningitis, refer to misdiagnosis of viral meningitis.
Treatment of viral meningitis includes rest and medications that ease fever, stiff neck, and other discomforts. Hospitalization may be required in some cases. For more information on treatment, refer to treatment of viral meningitis. ...more »
Viral meningitis: Meningitis is an illness in which there is inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Viral or aseptic meningitis, ... more about Viral meningitis.
Viral meningitis: Viral meningitis refers to meningitis caused by a viral infection. More detailed information about the symptoms, causes, and treatments of Viral meningitis is available below.
Symptoms of viral meningitis generally develop about three to seven days after exposure to an enteroviruses virus or other viruses that cause viral meningitis. However, symptoms can develop more quickly in some cases. Symptoms of viral meningitis can also develop after a person has had symptoms of a cold or influenza, such as a runny nose or diarrhea.
The symptoms of viral meningitis ...more symptoms »
The first step in treating viral meningitis is preventing its occurrence and spread. Prevention of the spread of viral meningitis includes frequent hand washing and covering the mouth and nose with a tissue when sneezing or coughing.
Treatment of viral meningitis includes rest, pain medications and anti-fever medications, such as Tylenol, and ...more treatments »
A diagnosis of viral meningitis may be delayed because in some cases, symptoms can be so mild that the disease goes undiagnosed. In addition, some symptoms, such as headache, stiff neck, and fatigue, can mimic symptoms of another disease or condition. These include influenza, tension headache, muscle strain in the neck, or migraine headache. Symptoms of viral ...more misdiagnosis »
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Prognosis for Viral meningitis: The prognosis for viral meningitis is usually excellent, with most cases resolving in 7-10 days.
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Prevention information for Viral meningitis has been compiled from various data sources and may be inaccurate or incomplete. None of these methods guarantee prevention of Viral meningitis.
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Meningitis is an illness in which there is inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord. Viral or aseptic meningitis, which is the most common type, is caused by an infection with one of several types of viruses. Meningitis can also be caused by infections with several types of bacteria or fungi. (Source: excerpt from Viral (Aseptic) Meningitis: DVRD)
A syndrome characterized by headache, neck stiffness, low grade fever, and CSF lymphocytic pleocytosis in the absence of an acute bacterial pathogen. Viral meningitis is the most frequent cause although MYCOPLASMA INFECTIONS; RICKETTSIA INFECTIONS; diagnostic or therapeutic procedures; NEOPLASTIC PROCESSES; septic perimeningeal foci; and other conditions may result in this syndrome. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, p745) - (Source - Diseases Database)
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