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Aseptic Meningitis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Aseptic Meningitis - Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

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Meningitis that occurs due to viruses or other medical conditions is known as aseptic meningitis. Please read the article below to know more about it.

Medically reviewed by

Dr. Hitesh Kumar

Published At January 18, 2022
Reviewed AtDecember 1, 2023

What Is Aseptic Meningitis?

Meningitis is a medically used term to refer to the inflammation of tissues around the brain and the spinal cord. This inflammation is due to the abnormalities of fluid and the membranes present in these regions, whose main function is to keep the brain and spinal cord safe from external physical damage.

Meningitis can be caused as a result of bacterial infection, and this condition is referred to as bacterial meningitis. But when these inflammations are caused due to factors that are different from bacterial infections, then it is called aseptic meningitis. Aseptic meningitis is mainly caused by viruses, and hence, this condition is also called viral meningitis.

Compared to bacterial meningitis, aseptic meningitis is very common, but its symptoms are less severe than bacterial meningitis. So, there are very few serious complications of aseptic meningitis, and for most people, it usually takes less than 14 days to recover from the onset of symptoms.

What Are the Various Causes of Aseptic Meningitis?

As mentioned earlier, aseptic meningitis is mainly caused by viruses, and hence they are very common during particular seasons of the year, such as in early fall and late summer. Some of the most common viruses that can cause aseptic meningitis are:

Also, it is a very well-known fact that viral infection or viruses can spread easily from one person to another through different ways such as:

  • Person’s saliva.

  • Sneezing or cough droplets.

  • Sharing food.

  • Mosquito bites.

Apart from these, there are also some rare cases where other medical conditions might lead to aseptic meningitis. They are:

The severity and the rate of development of aseptic meningitis (from a very rapid spread (within 2 to 3 days) to gradual contact (through several weeks)) might vary based on the causative factor behind it.

What Are the Symptoms of Aseptic Meningitis?

In some cases, aseptic meningitis does not exhibit any initial symptoms, and they start to occur only after it has run its course. Also, the symptoms of aseptic meningitis might vary based on the type of virus or the medical condition that is responsible for causing it. But some of the most common and usual symptoms of aseptic meningitis are:

  • Chills.

  • Stomach ache.

  • Fever.

  • Body ache.

  • Loss of appetite.

  • Painful headache.

  • Fatigue.

  • Vomiting.

  • Photophobia – a condition where the person is afraid or sensitive to lights.

In the case of infants and toddlers, a parent should be able to observe the following symptoms,

  • Poor eating.

  • Fever.

  • Crying continuously and being irritable.

  • Sleepiness and not waking up active after sleep.

As discussed earlier, aseptic meningitis is very common, but it does not pose any severe symptoms, and in the majority of cases, it is possible to recover even without medications. The symptoms of aseptic meningitis are very similar to that of the common cold, hence many people are not aware of this condition unless a doctor confirms it. But, on the other hand, bacterial meningitis has some serious symptoms and might also be life-threatening when not treated.

It is important to reach out to a doctor if there are any symptoms in children, as it might lead to severe complications when left untreated. During the early stages, the doctor will require a medical examination to determine the exact cause of the condition and the type of meningitis present. Hence do not take these symptoms lightly and reach out to your doctor for proper monitoring and diagnosis.

What Are the Risk Factors of Aseptic Meningitis?

Aseptic meningitis is caused by viruses, and hence it can occur to anyone. But through constant studies, it has been found that the group of the population that is being affected most by this condition are children below 5 years of age. Though there are vaccines to prevent the child from bacterial meningitis, they are not effective against viral or aseptic meningitis.

There are high chances for the virus to spread from one child to another when the child is attending daycare or school. Also, adults who are working in these facilities have more risk of getting aseptic meningitis.

It has also been identified that people who have other conditions that compromise the immune system of the body, such as AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) or diabetes, are at a higher risk compared to those who do not have them.

How Is Aseptic Meningitis Diagnosed?

As mentioned earlier, if the doctor suspects meningitis based on your symptoms, he will perform some tests in order to identify whether it is bacterial or viral meningitis.

The only effective test that is definitive in diagnosing the type of meningitis is the spinal tap. This involves the extraction of cerebrospinal fluid from the spine. This spinal fluid is present around the brain and spinal cord in order to protect them.

During the test, if there is an increased level of protein and high white blood cell count, then it indicates meningitis. With the help of other tests, such as CT scans (computed tomography), blood tests, and x- rays, this fluid also helps to identify the underlying causative factor such as a virus, bacteria, or other infectious agents.

How Is Aseptic Meningitis Treated?

The exact treatment of aseptic meningitis is purely based on the causative agent that is responsible for the condition. In the majority of aseptic meningitis cases, recovery happens within 2 weeks as well as does not require any medical treatment.

Management methods might be suggested by the doctors based on the symptoms. Proper rest and having an adequate amount of water and fluids are important to recover. Anti-inflammatory and analgesics medications (the substance reducing pain) may be given by the doctor to reduce the pain and fever. If the virus that is responsible for the condition is treatable, like in herpes, then the doctor will also give medications for the condition as well.

Conclusion:

Very rare cases of aseptic meningitis have ended up causing long-term illness; otherwise, it is a very manageable condition that requires very minimal or no medical intervention. Though there is no vaccine for aseptic meningitis, it is important to vaccinate your child against common viruses that might lead to aseptic meningitis, such as chickenpox, measles, and mumps. Also, make sure proper hygiene habits are followed to minimize the chances of getting infections from other people.

Frequently Asked Questions

1.

How Dangerous Is Aseptic Meningitis?

Meningitis is a condition that causes swelling of the meninges that surround the brain and spinal cord. Aseptic meningitis is usually not a life-threatening condition. In most cases, symptoms of aseptic meningitis resolve within two weeks.

2.

What Causes Aseptic Meningitis?

The most common cause of aseptic meningitis is a virus. Enterovirus, herpes simplex virus, varicella-zoster virus, Epstein-Barr virus, etc., are some of the viruses that cause aseptic meningitis. It can also be caused by bacteria, fungi, drugs, parasites, etc.

3.

How Does Aseptic Meningitis Spread?

The most common cause of aseptic meningitis is the virus. One can easily contract aseptic meningitis by coming in contact with the body fluids of the affected person. Sharing the food, mosquito bites, coughing and sneezing are ways through which infection can spread.

4.

Will Aseptic Meningitis Subsides on Its Own?

The minor cases of aseptic meningitis may not require treatment. However, it depends upon the cause. The treatment for aseptic meningitis will depend upon the causative agent.

5.

How Long Does It Take for the Symptoms to Appear in the Case of Aseptic Meningitis?

In some cases, aseptic meningitis does not exhibit any initial symptoms. But in others, after three to six days after being exposed to the virus, symptoms can appear. The symptoms, however, will depend on the causative agent.

6.

Does One Need to Be Isolated if Suffering From Aseptic Meningitis?

There are chances that aseptic meningitis can spread quickly through cough, sneezing, etc. So proper care should be taken to avoid contact with the infected person. There should be no sharing of food, utensils, clothes, etc.

7.

Does Aseptic Meningitis Require Immediate Medical Attention?

Aseptic meningitis is not a life-threatening condition like bacterial meningitis. In some cases, it is even self-limiting. With proper treatment, it can be cured without any complications.

8.

For How Long the Person Affected With Aseptic Meningitis Can Spread the Infection?

The affected person can be contagious for a period of three days to ten days after the appearance of symptoms if the cause is viral. It can quickly spread from one person to another as the cause is viral.

9.

Can Aseptic Meningitis Occur More Than Once in an Individual?

Yes, recurrent viral meningitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus. It may last for two to five days and may resolve on its own. People can have two or three episodes of fever, headache, and stiff neck.

10.

What Is the Treatment for Aseptic Meningitis?

There is no specific treatment for aseptic meningitis. Depending upon the symptoms and causative agents, treatment is given. Proper rest and intake of fluids can speed the recovery.

11.

Will Aseptic Meningitis Cause Seizures?

Seizures can be a complication associated with aseptic meningitis. It can later progress to status epilepticus. This condition may require treatment.

12.

What Are the Different Types of Meningitis?

Meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges. The different types of meningitis include - viral meningitis, bacterial meningitis, fungal meningitis, parasitic meningitis, and noninfectious meningitis. Out of these, bacterial meningitis is the most common dangerous one.

13.

Will Meningitis Cause Memory Loss?

In the case of bacterial meningitis, it may cause neuroinflammation. This may cause neural degradation. So as a long-term effect of meningitis, memory loss, coordination, problems, deafness, headaches, etc., can occur.

14.

What Is the Appearance of Meningitis Rash?

The meningitis rash appears like pin-pricked red or purple spots on the skin or as a rash that looks like bruising that appears as reddish-purple areas on the skin.

15.

How Common Is Meningitis in Babies?

Babies under two years of age are at a higher risk of developing meningitis. Ninety percent of the affected children will survive. But studies show that 20 to 50 percent of the affected children may suffer from complications.

16.

Is Meningitis Vaccine Available for Babies?

Yes, the meningitis vaccine is available for babies. The initial meningitis vaccine is given at two, four, and six months of age. After the initial booster, the infant will receive the next dose at 12 to 16 months of age.
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Dr. Hitesh Kumar
Dr. Hitesh Kumar

Neurology

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