Viral meningitis: Difference between revisions

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{{SI}}
{{Infobox medical condition
| name            = Viral meningitis
| image          = [[File:Meninges-en.svg|250px]]
| caption        = Diagram of the meninges surrounding the brain and spinal cord
| field          = [[Neurology]], [[Infectious disease]]
| symptoms        = [[Headache]], [[fever]], [[neck stiffness]], [[photophobia]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]]
| complications  = Rarely, [[seizures]], [[hearing loss]], [[cognitive impairment]]
| onset          = Sudden
| duration        = Usually 7 to 10 days
| causes          = [[Enterovirus]], [[Herpes simplex virus]], [[Varicella zoster virus]], [[Mumps virus]], [[HIV]]
| risks          = [[Age]], [[immunocompromised state]], [[exposure to infected individuals]]
| diagnosis      = [[Lumbar puncture]], [[CSF analysis]], [[PCR testing]]
| differential    = [[Bacterial meningitis]], [[encephalitis]], [[subarachnoid hemorrhage]]
| treatment      = [[Supportive care]], [[analgesics]], [[antipyretics]], [[hydration]]
| prognosis      = Generally good, full recovery expected
| frequency      = Common, especially in children and young adults
}}
[[File:Symptoms of Meningitis.png|left|thumb|Symptoms of Meningitis]]
[[File:Meningitis.webm|Viral Meningitis]]
[[File:Blausen 0617 LumbarPuncture.png|left|thumb|Lumbar Puncture]]
[[File:Aciclovir 2D structure.svg|thumb|Aciclovir 2D structure]]
'''Viral meningitis''' is a type of [[meningitis]] that is caused by [[virus|viruses]]. It is also known as aseptic meningitis. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis and is often less severe than bacterial meningitis. It usually clears up on its own within two weeks.
'''Viral meningitis''' is a type of [[meningitis]] that is caused by [[virus|viruses]]. It is also known as aseptic meningitis. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis and is often less severe than bacterial meningitis. It usually clears up on its own within two weeks.
== Causes ==
== Causes ==
Viral meningitis is caused by a viral infection. Several types of viruses can cause it, including [[enterovirus]], [[herpes simplex virus]], [[varicella zoster virus]], [[mumps virus]], [[HIV]], and [[influenza virus]]. Enteroviruses are the most common cause of viral meningitis.
Viral meningitis is caused by a viral infection. Several types of viruses can cause it, including [[enterovirus]], [[herpes simplex virus]], [[varicella zoster virus]], [[mumps virus]], [[HIV]], and [[influenza virus]]. Enteroviruses are the most common cause of viral meningitis.
== Symptoms ==
== Symptoms ==
The symptoms of viral meningitis can be similar to those of bacterial meningitis. They can include [[fever]], [[headache]], [[stiff neck]], [[sensitivity to light]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], and [[fatigue]]. In severe cases, symptoms can include [[seizure]]s and [[altered mental status]].
The symptoms of viral meningitis can be similar to those of bacterial meningitis. They can include [[fever]], [[headache]], [[stiff neck]], [[sensitivity to light]], [[nausea]], [[vomiting]], and [[fatigue]]. In severe cases, symptoms can include [[seizure]]s and [[altered mental status]].
== Diagnosis ==
== Diagnosis ==
Viral meningitis is diagnosed through a [[lumbar puncture]], also known as a spinal tap. This procedure involves taking a sample of [[cerebrospinal fluid]] and testing it for the presence of viruses.
Viral meningitis is diagnosed through a [[lumbar puncture]], also known as a spinal tap. This procedure involves taking a sample of [[cerebrospinal fluid]] and testing it for the presence of viruses.
== Treatment ==
== Treatment ==
There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Most people with viral meningitis get better on their own with rest, [[hydration]], and over-the-counter pain relievers to help with symptoms. In some cases, antiviral medication may be used.
There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Most people with viral meningitis get better on their own with rest, [[hydration]], and over-the-counter pain relievers to help with symptoms. In some cases, antiviral medication may be used.
== Prevention ==
== Prevention ==
Prevention of viral meningitis involves good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Vaccines are also available for some of the viruses that can cause viral meningitis.
Prevention of viral meningitis involves good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Vaccines are also available for some of the viruses that can cause viral meningitis.
== See also ==
== See also ==
* [[Bacterial meningitis]]
* [[Bacterial meningitis]]
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* [[Parasitic meningitis]]
* [[Parasitic meningitis]]
* [[Non-infectious meningitis]]
* [[Non-infectious meningitis]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Neurological disorders]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
[[Category:Infectious diseases]]
[[Category:Viral diseases]]
[[Category:Viral diseases]]
{{stub}}
{{stub}}

Latest revision as of 15:26, 13 April 2025

Editor-In-Chief: Prab R Tumpati, MD
Obesity, Sleep & Internal medicine
Founder, WikiMD Wellnesspedia &
W8MD medical weight loss NYC and sleep center NYC

Viral meningitis
Synonyms N/A
Pronounce N/A
Specialty N/A
Symptoms Headache, fever, neck stiffness, photophobia, nausea, vomiting
Complications Rarely, seizures, hearing loss, cognitive impairment
Onset Sudden
Duration Usually 7 to 10 days
Types N/A
Causes Enterovirus, Herpes simplex virus, Varicella zoster virus, Mumps virus, HIV
Risks Age, immunocompromised state, exposure to infected individuals
Diagnosis Lumbar puncture, CSF analysis, PCR testing
Differential diagnosis Bacterial meningitis, encephalitis, subarachnoid hemorrhage
Prevention N/A
Treatment Supportive care, analgesics, antipyretics, hydration
Medication N/A
Prognosis Generally good, full recovery expected
Frequency Common, especially in children and young adults
Deaths N/A


Symptoms of Meningitis

File:Meningitis.webm

Lumbar Puncture
Aciclovir 2D structure

Viral meningitis is a type of meningitis that is caused by viruses. It is also known as aseptic meningitis. Viral meningitis is the most common type of meningitis and is often less severe than bacterial meningitis. It usually clears up on its own within two weeks.

Causes[edit]

Viral meningitis is caused by a viral infection. Several types of viruses can cause it, including enterovirus, herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster virus, mumps virus, HIV, and influenza virus. Enteroviruses are the most common cause of viral meningitis.

Symptoms[edit]

The symptoms of viral meningitis can be similar to those of bacterial meningitis. They can include fever, headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. In severe cases, symptoms can include seizures and altered mental status.

Diagnosis[edit]

Viral meningitis is diagnosed through a lumbar puncture, also known as a spinal tap. This procedure involves taking a sample of cerebrospinal fluid and testing it for the presence of viruses.

Treatment[edit]

There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Most people with viral meningitis get better on their own with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter pain relievers to help with symptoms. In some cases, antiviral medication may be used.

Prevention[edit]

Prevention of viral meningitis involves good hygiene practices, such as washing hands regularly and avoiding close contact with people who are sick. Vaccines are also available for some of the viruses that can cause viral meningitis.

See also[edit]

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