Aseptic meningitis

Description of aseptic meningitis

Meningitis occurs, when the brain becomes inflamed cover – meninx. Aseptic meningitis occurs when there are signs of the usual meningitis. But, the selection of the sample cerebrospinal fluid, bacteria in it are not detectable. Usually the disease is caused by viruses. This disease is treatable. In most cases, recovery takes 7-10 days.

Causes of aseptic meningitis

The most common causes of aseptic meningitis are:

• Viral infections, that is:
  • Enteroviruses (eg, hands, Foot, oral disease; conjunctivitis);
  • Sexually transmitted diseases (eg, herpes, syphilis, HIV);
  • Other viruses, such as West Nile virus, rabies, mumps;
• Parasitic infections (eg, Lyme disease);
• Mycoplasma (type of pneumonia);
• Tuberculosis;
• Fungal infections;
• Bacterial meningitis, that has not been completely cured;
• Some medications, such as ibuprofen and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs);
• Autoimmune diseases (eg, sarkoidoz, Behcet's disease);
• Cancer, that has spread to the meninges;
• Infection in the spinal cord.

Risk factors

Factors, which increase the risk of aseptic meningitis:

• Exposure to viral diseases;
• Working as a nanny or babysitter;
• Weakened immune system;
• Taking certain medications (eg, NSAIDs);
• Age: child or teenager (in children and adolescents occurs more frequently, than in adults).

Symptoms of aseptic meningitis

These symptoms may be caused by other serious diseases. When they occur, seek medical advice.

• Headache;
• Fever and chills;
• Kryvosheya;
• The feeling of general malaise;
• Sore throat;
• Fatigue;
• Rash;
• Muscle pain or abdominal;
• Confusion;
• Sensitivity to light;
• Nausea and vomiting.

Diagnosis of aseptic meningitis

The doctor asks about the symptoms, and medical history, and performs a physical exam. Tests may include the following:

• Blood tests;
• Poyasnichnaya puncture (spinnomozgovaya puncture) – Selection of a small amount of liquid, that surrounds the brain and spinal cord, to check for signs of infection and inflammation;
• MRI scan – test, which uses magnetic waves, to make pictures of structures inside the brain;
• CT scan – type of X-ray inspection, wherein the computer is used, to make pictures of structures inside the brain.

Treatment of aseptic meningitis

Treatment options include:

• Zamestitelynaya therapy – your doctor may recommend rest and drink plenty of fluids. Maybe, gospitalizirovt patient have to monitor and to avoid dehydration;
• Medication – if specific reasons are suspected meningitis, your doctor may recommend the patient to take:
  • Antiviral drugs;
  • Antibiotics;
  • Protivogribkovыe drugs;
  • Medication against pain (eg, acetaminophen, Ibuprofen).

Note: Aspirin is not recommended for children and teens with a current or recent viral infection due to the risk of Reye's syndrome.

Prevention of aseptic meningitis

To reduce the risk of aseptic meningitis, you must take the following steps:

• Wash your hands often, particularly after:
  • Nahodzhdeniya in close contact with a person, who has the infection;
  • Changing a diaper baby with an infection;
• Time to be vaccinated.