Viral Meningitis in Adults

What is viral meningitis?

Viral meningitis is an inflammation and infection of the meninges caused by a virus. The meninges are the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. This type of meningitis is also called aseptic meningitis.

How does it occur?

Many different viruses such as enteroviruses, herpes viruses, and the mumps virus can cause viral meningitis.

You can get viral meningitis the same way you get other viral infections, such as colds: from someone who is infected. This can happen by shaking hands with an infected person; by touching something the person has handled and then rubbing your own nose, mouth or eyes; or by sharing drinking glasses. It can also be spread by bowel movements (for example, by changing the diapers of an infected infant and not washing your hands thoroughly).

What are the symptoms?

The symptoms of viral meningitis are not the same for everyone. The most common symptoms are:

fever
severe headache
stiff neck
being sensitive to bright lights
drowsiness or confusion
nausea and vomiting.

The symptoms of viral meningitis are often the same as the symptoms caused by bacterial meningitis. When meningitis is caused by a virus, it is serious but rarely fatal. On the other hand, when meningitis is caused by bacteria, it can cause serious problems and is sometimes fatal if it is not treated with antibiotics right away. If you think you have meningitis, see your health care provider or go to an emergency room right away.

How is it diagnosed?

Your health care provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and examine you. You may have the following tests:

spinal tap (fluid is drawn from the spinal column with a needle and sent to the lab for tests)
blood tests
CT scan of the brain.

How is it treated?

There is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Most people recover without any treatment other than drinking extra fluids and rest. Your health care provider may prescribe medicine to relieve fever and headache. In some cases you may need to stay at the hospital so you can be closely observed for worsening symptoms.

How long do the effects last?

Usually the symptoms of viral meningitis last 5 to 14 days and you recover completely.

How can I take care of myself?

Follow your health care provider's instructions for taking care of yourself at home.
Ask your provider what medicine you should use for headache and muscle aches.
Rest in bed to help treat the headache. Avoid light and rest your eyes.
Drink liquids. Eat more food as your appetite returns.
Contact your health care provider right away if your symptoms (fever, headache, neck stiffness, nausea, vomiting) get worse.

What can I do to help prevent viral meningitis?

If you are in contact with someone who has viral meningitis, the most effective method of prevention is to wash your hands thoroughly and often.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

HIA File BRN3434F.HTM Release 9.0/2006