The enlargement of the meninges, which are the membranes surrounding your brain and spinal cord, is known as meningitis. It may be brought on by fungus, viruses, or bacteria. However, there are other possible causes as well, like autoimmune diseases or prescription drugs.
The most prevalent and benign kind of meningitis is viral meningitis. Numerous distinct virus kinds may be the reason. Although the viruses that cause meningitis can be passed from person to person, most individuals do not typically get meningitis from them.
What is viral meningitis?
When a viral infection inflames the meninges surrounding your brain and spinal cord, it results in viral meningitis. It often presents with flu-like symptoms and is less dangerous than bacterial meningitis. Viral meningitis is more common in infants and early childhood, although it can strike anyone.
Complications are possible even though viral meningitis is normally not serious and often goes away on its own. Those with additional medical issues or those with weaker immune systems may experience more severe symptoms.
Prolonged problems from viral meningitis might include loss of vision, hearing, and difficulty learning and remembering things. Individuals with weaker immune systems or those infected with specific viruses are more vulnerable to more severe consequences.
What are the symptoms of viral meningitis?
The symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to those of ordinary meningitis. Viral meningitis symptoms include:
- headache
- stiff neck
- fever
- light sensitivity
- nausea
- vomiting
- confusion (altered mental status)
These signs and symptoms might not be as obvious in babies and newborns. The following are a few signs that your child may have viral meningitis:
- vomiting
- lack of activity
- irritability
- difficulty feeding
- abnormal reflexes
- bulging fontanelle (the “soft spot” on a baby’s head)
What causes viral meningitis?
Multiple viruses are capable of causing meningitis. Among them are:
- Enteroviruses: In all age groups, these are the most frequent causes of viral meningitis. These include the highly prevalent coxsackievirus and echovirus in early children.
- Parechovirus: This virus is also prevalent in newborns and young children.
- Herpesviruses: This viral family is responsible for the Epstein-Barr virus, shingles, and chickenpox.
- Arboviruses: These viruses, which cause Zika and West Nile viruses, are frequently transmitted by mosquitoes.
- Adenovirus: Adenovirus infections typically result in flu-like symptoms.
- coughing
- sneezing
- sharing personal items
- touching contaminated surfaces
- proximity to an individual infected with one of these viruses
How is viral meningitis diagnosed?
A battery of tests can validate the viral meningitis diagnosis.
These examinations could consist of:
- Neurological exam: These tests assist in assessing the functioning of your nervous system and brain.
- Lumbar puncture test (spinal tap): A tiny sample of your cerebral spinal fluid is removed during a spinal tap for examination.
- Stool sample: It may be necessary to take a stool sample, or sample of your excrement, to check it for viruses or other illnesses.
- Imaging tests: A clinician can search for any meningitis-related brain abnormalities with the use of imaging tests like CT or MRI.
- Nasal swab: To check for viral infections, a sample of mucus is taken for this test.
- Blood tests: To assist identify whether a bacterial or viral infection is present, the following tests may be performed:
- blood culture
- complete blood count (CBC)
- procalcitonin (test to diagnose sepsis)
- total protein count
What’s the treatment for viral meningitis?
Usually, mild viral meningitis resolves on its own in seven to ten days.
Viral meningitis cannot be particularly treated with any effective medication. For bacterial meningitis, antibiotics are suitable; however, they are not recommended for viral meningitis.
Certain viruses, such as varicella-zoster and herpes simplex, may react to antiviral drugs like acyclovir.
Additional therapies for viral meningitis concentrate on symptom control:
- Pain relievers: These are applied to lessen pain and swelling.
- Corticosteroids: These medications can reduce inflammation.
- Intravenous (IV) fluids: This can keep your electrolyte balance stable and help you avoid dehydration.
Preventing viral meningitis
There are some simple preventative techniques that can lower your risk of developing viral meningitis:
- Avoid close contact with anyone who is sick.
- Wash your hands often.
- When you’re sick, stay at home and don’t let the kids go to school.
- Disinfect contaminated surfaces.
- Keep your immunizations up to date, particularly those against shingles, measles, flu, and chickenpox.
What’s the outlook for people with viral meningitis?
When viral meningitis occurs, the prognosis is typically favorable. It typically disappears on its own in a week or two and doesn’t necessitate hospitalization.
If your symptoms need a hospital stay, you can anticipate receiving care that effectively treats your symptoms.
Is viral meningitis contagious?
What is the survival rate of viral meningitis?
What is the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis?
Takeaway
The most prevalent and benign type of meningitis is viral meningitis. It may be brought on by multiple viral types. Although it usually affects babies and young children, anyone might experience it.
Even though the viruses that cause meningitis are frequently spread, most infected individuals do not go on to acquire meningitis. The majority of people recover from viral meningitis in ten days or less, with no lasting effects.