Viral meningitis
Viral Meningitis
Viral meningitis (pronounced: vahy-ruhl meh-nin-jahy-tis) is an inflammation of the tissues that cover the brain and spinal cord, caused by a viral infection. It is the most common type of meningitis and is often less severe than bacterial meningitis.
Etymology
The term "viral meningitis" is derived from the Latin word virus meaning "poison" or "slimy liquid", and the Greek word meningitis meaning "inflammation of the membrane".
Symptoms
Symptoms of viral meningitis can include fever, severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, sleepiness or trouble waking up, nausea, vomiting, lack of appetite, and lethargy.
Causes
Viral meningitis is most commonly caused by enteroviruses, which are viruses that also can cause intestinal illness. Other viruses that can cause meningitis include mumps virus, herpesvirus, measles virus, and influenza virus.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis of viral meningitis is made by a combination of clinical history, physical examination, and diagnostic tests, which may include a lumbar puncture to collect and examine cerebrospinal fluid (CSF).
Treatment
There are no specific treatments for viral meningitis. Most people fully recover on their own with rest, pain medications for symptoms, and plenty of fluids. Hospitalization may be required in severe cases or for people with weak immune systems.
Prevention
Prevention of viral meningitis involves good hygiene practices such as handwashing, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and immunization against diseases that can cause meningitis, such as measles, mumps, and influenza.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Viral meningitis
- Wikipedia's article - Viral meningitis
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