What are the Symptoms of Viral Meningitis?

Viral Meningitis Symptoms: A Guide to Identifying it

Viral meningitis is a viral infection that inflames the meninges, or protective layers, of the brain and spinal cord. Common warning signs include a severe headache, neck stiffness, high fever, vomiting, and changes in mental status. If you notice these symptoms, seeking emergency care promptly is crucial, as certain types of meningitis can become life-threatening.

Read on to explore the disease in greater detail!

What is Viral Meningitis?

Also known as aseptic meningitis, viral meningitis results when a virus infects the meninges. While it is generally less severe than bacterial meningitis, medical evaluation still needs to be done on all suspected cases. Here is a general overview:

• Several viruses, including enteroviruses and herpes viruses, are known culprits.
• The illness can impact individuals of all ages, but it occurs more frequently in babies, young children, and those with compromised immune systems.
• Most cases resolve without the need for specialized treatment, though some patients may benefit from antiviral drugs.
• Fortunately, recovery from viral meningitis is generally positive.

What are the Symptoms of Viral Meningitis?

The symptoms of viral meningitis usually come on quickly and may include:

• Fever
• Chills or shivering
• Severe headache
• Neck stiffness
• Nausea or vomiting
• Increased sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Loss of appetite
• Trouble concentrating or staying awake
• Blurred or double vision
• Kernig's sign (pain on straightening the knee when hip is flexed)
• Brudzinski's sign (neck flexion causing hip/knee flexion)

In some cases, these symptoms may follow a typical viral illness, such as a cold, cough, or rash, making it difficult to distinguish early on.

What are the Symptoms of Viral Meningitis in Infants?

Diagnosing viral meningitis in infants may be especially difficult. Make sure to look for the following signs:

• Fever
• Refusal to feed or vomiting
• Soft spot (fontanelle) on the head swelling
• Increased irritability or crankiness
• Unusual sleepiness or difficulty waking up
• Slowed energy or delayed reaction

What are the Common Causes of Viral Meningitis?

Viral meningitis can result from a variety of viral infections. Some of the most frequent causes include:

• Enteroviruses (excluding polio)
• Epstein-Barr virus, which also causes mononucleosis
• Varicella-zoster virus
• Mumps
• Measles
• Arboviruses, such as West Nile virus and Zika virus
• Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Influenza viruses, responsible for the flu
• Lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV).

How is Viral Meningitis Treated?

The following is an overview of the treatment methods for viral meningitis:

• Most patients with viral meningitis recover within 7 to 10 days. To relieve symptoms, patients can use over-the-counter medicines such as Paracetamol and are advised to drink a lot and rest well.
• The initial crucial step in treatment involves identifying whether the meningitis is caused by a virus or bacteria.
• Since bacterial meningitis is more dangerous, physicians can provide intravenous antibiotics immediately if a bacterium is suspected, even before running actual tests. However, these antibiotics won’t work if the infection is viral.
• If herpes simplex virus is identified as the cause, intravenous administration of an antiviral like Acyclovir is recommended.
• This should be given promptly, especially if the patient exhibits confusion or neurological symptoms, to prevent complications such as encephalitis.
• Patients with unstable vitals may need intensive care for airway management and neurological assessment to avoid further issues.
• Treatment plans can be revised based on test results, like Gram stains or cultures.
• In cases involving infants or newborns, enteroviruses or herpes simplex virus may lead to viral septic shock. Because of this, doctors often start antiviral treatment, including Acyclovir and other medications, as soon as these infections are suspected.
• For patients with HIV who develop viral meningitis, antiretroviral therapy is used to control the infection effectively.

Viral meningitis, though often alarming by name, is generally the milder form of meningitis and tends to resolve without intensive treatment. To stay financially protected in such critical health situations, Star Health Insurance offers coverage for meningitis under most of its policies at a low and affordable premium.

After the specified waiting period, policyholders can access comprehensive benefits, subject to the terms and conditions, ensuring peace of mind during unexpected medical events.