Aseptic Meningitis

Definition

Meningitis happens when the spinal column and brain’s lining become inflamed. This lining is called the meninges. Aseptic meningitis occurs when there are signs of meningitis. However, when a sample of brain fluid is taken, bacteria or fungi are not seen or do not grow.

Meningitis

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Causes

The most common causes of aseptic meningitis are:

• Viral infection due to:
  • Enteroviruses, such as Coxsackie virus
  • Sexually transmitted disease, such as herpes and HIV
  • Other viruses, varicella/zoster, rabies, mumps, and arboviruses like West Nile virus
• Parasitic infection, such as Lyme disease
• Mycoplasma, an usual bacteria that can cause pneumonia
• Tuberculosis
• Bacterial meningitis that has not been fully treated
• Autoimmune diseases, such as lupus, sarcoidosis, and Behcet’s disease
• Cancer that has spread to the meninges
• Infection near the spinal cord or brain
• Certain medicines, such as ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)

Risk Factors

Factors that can increase your chance of developing aseptic meningitis include:

• Being exposed to someone with a viral illness
• The season—mostly occurs in late spring and summer
• Working in a daycare or healthcare setting
• Having a compromised immune system
• Being a child or teenager—affects children and teens more often than adults
• Taking certain medicines, such as NSAIDs

Symptoms

If you have any of these symptoms, do not assume it is due to meningitis. These symptoms may be caused by other conditions.

• Headache
• Fever and chills
• Stiff neck
• General feeling of illness
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Rash
• Muscle or abdominal pain
• Mental confusion
• Sensitivity to light
• Nausea or vomiting

Diagnosis

Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. A physical exam will be done.

• You may need to have samples taken of your bodily fluids. This can be done with:
  • Blood tests
  • Lumbar puncture —also called a spinal tap

• You may have pictures taken of your brain. This can be done with:
  • MRI scan
  • CT scan

Treatment

Talk with your doctor about the best treatment plan for you. Most cases of aseptic meningitis improve with time. If the cause of the meningitis is known, your doctor may prescribe medication. Treatment options include:

• Supportive care—Your doctor may recommend that you rest and drink plenty of fluids. You may need to be hospitalized to be monitored and to stay hydrated.
• Medicine—If specific causes of meningitis are suspected, your doctor may advise that you take:
  • Antiviral medicine—to treat a viral infection
  • Antibiotics—to treat infections
  • Antifungal medicine
  • Pain medicine, such as acetaminophen and ibuprofen

    Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children or teens with a current or recent viral infection. This is because of the risk of Reye's syndrome. Ask your doctor which other medicines are safe for your child.

• In certain cases, your doctor may advise that you stop some medicines.

Prevention

To help reduce your chance of getting aseptic meningitis, take the following steps:

• Wash your hands often, especially if you:
  • Are in close contact with a person who has an infection
  • Changed the diaper of an infant with an infection
• If you work in a childcare or healthcare setting, clean objects and surfaces.
• Be sure all of your vaccinations are up-to-date.