Viral Meningitis: A Quick Background On The Neurological Disease

Viral meningitis is an infectious disease that mainly targets the brain and spinal cord. It is usually a mild disease and can easily be treated. Some people can get better even without going through treatment. On the other hand, other forms of meningitis caused by bacteria or fungi, may be more severe and carry more serious complications.

If one exhibits the symptoms of meningitis, they must have themselves checked in a hospital. This is in order to identify the type of meningitis they have.

Viral Meningitis Causes

Enteroviruses (EV) are the most common cause of viral meningitis and account for about 80% of cases.  They include several viruses  People contact these virus through fecal-oral route or by the respiratory route.

Once they enter the body, it will eventually reach the brain and cause inflammation. Once it reaches the tissues in the brain, they begin to multiply. this is were viral meningitis develops.

Enteroviruses include coxsackie A and B, echovirus, polioviruses and the numbered enteroviruses.  About 118 types of EVs have been described as causes of viral meningitis.

Non-polio enteroviruses are very common, almost as common as the virus causes the common cold and may present with similar symptoms. Some people do not get sick at all.

Here are other viruses that can cause viral meningitis:

• Mumps
• Herpes viruses
• Measles virus
• Arboviruses (e.g. West Nile virus)
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (rare)

Viral Meningitis Symptoms

The symptoms vary depending on the age of a person:

Symptoms in infants

• Becoming irritable
• Fever
• Fussy or poor feeding
• Difficulty waking up
• Becoming lethargic

Symptoms in children and adults

• Fever
• Headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Eyes may be extra sensitive to light (photophobia)
• Irritability
• Poor concentration
• Neck stiffness
• Sleepiness
• Lethargy
• Other constitutional symptoms of having a viral illness such as diarrhea, colds, cough, fatigue, or body pains

Once you feel these symptoms, visit the hospital right away. A person cannot tell the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis since the symptoms for both diseases are similar. A doctor will identify what kind of meningitis a person has.

What are the Treatments for Viral Meningitis?

There are no specific treatments for viral meningitis since this viral infection goes away on its own after a period of time. Usually the duration is 7 to 10 days, but it may vary from person to person. Like many viral infections, treatment is mainly supportive until the virus runs its course.

Treatments and procedures that doctors may suggest for patients with this disease include:

• Acyclovir: this is a drug that treats various infections caused by herpes viruses.
• Lumbar puncture: also known as spinal tap, helps doctors identify that cause of your illness. It is done for proper diagnosis and management since bacterial or other causes of meningitis must be ruled out since the treatment for these are very different.

Taking antibiotics is not recommended for viral meningitis. However, this may be prescribed by your physician while waiting for the results of your tests.

Key Takeaway

While the thought of a viral infection affecting your brain may sound scary, in the case of viral meningitis, prognosis is usually good. Most cases resolve with little to no complications in the span of a week or two. However, no infection should be ignored, especially when it occurs in infants, elderly, or those with a compromised immune system.

Therefore, once you or someone at home feels symptoms of meningitis, consult a doctor immediately. Through a series of tests and evaluations, they will be able to determine whether or not the meningitis is caused by a virus or another pathogen. Once the diagnosis is clear, the doctors will be able to provide the appropriate medications and treatment.

Learn more about Infectious Diseases here.