The brain and spinal cord are encased by layers of tissue. These layers are called the meninges. Certain viruses can cause an infection in these layers. This is called viral meningitis.
Some types can be less serious than bacterial meningitis .
A number of viruses can cause viral meningitis including:
Most of these are also able to cause encephalitis . This is an inflammation of the brain tissue. It is a much more serious condition.
Viruses that cause meningitis can be spread in numerous ways:
Risk factors for viral meningitis include:
Classic symptoms of viral meningitis include:
In newborns and infants:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done. The doctor will focus on the nervous system. To help rule out other causes of the inflammation, such as a tumor, your doctor may order an:
To rule out bacterial meningitis, the following tests may be done:
Treatment includes:
If you are diagnosed with viral meningitis, follow your doctor's instructions .
Wash your hands often particularly:
If you work in a childcare setting:
If you've never had measles, mumps, rubella, and chickenpox:
Some forms of viral meningitis are spread by mosquito bites:
If you are contemplating a pregnancy:
RESOURCES:
Meningitis Foundation of America
http://www.musa.org/
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
http://www.cdc.gov/
CANADIAN RESOURCES:
Health Canada
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/
Public Health Agency of Canada
http://www.phac-aspc.gc.ca/
References:
The Merck Manual of Medical Information . 18th ed. Merck; 2006.
The Merck Manual of Medical Information . 17th ed. Simon and Schuster, Inc.; 2000.
National Center for Infectious Diseases website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/ .
US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov .
Last reviewed January 2009 by David L. Horn, MD, FACP
Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
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