Lecture on Aseptic Meningitis (Viral Meningitis) lecture 2025
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| Aseptic Meningitis (Viral Meningitis) |
Definition of aseptic meningitis:
Aseptic meningitis is a clinical term for an illness comprising meningeal
irritation, fever, and alterations in consciousness of relatively acute
onset.
irritation, fever, and alterations in consciousness of relatively acute
onset.
-
The clinical course is less fulminant than in pyogenic
meningitis. -
In contrast to pyogenic meningitis, examination of the CSF often shows
lymphocytosis, moderate protein elevation, and a normal glucose
level. - The disease typically is self-limiting
Causes and causative agents of viral meningitis
Viruses:
- Arboviral (mosquito-borne) diseases
- Influenza
- LaCrosse Encephalitis virus
- West Nile Virus
Common; Usually clears up in 1-2 weeks with no specific treatment
Rarely serious infection of fluid in the spinal cord or fluid that surrounds
the brain
Also called aseptic meningitis
Signs and symptoms of aseptic meningitis:
- Usually occur one week after exposure
- Fever
- Headache
- Stiff neck
- Tiredness
- Sore Throat
- Vomiting
- Photophobia
Treatment and prevention of aseptic meningitis:
- No specific treatment for viral meningitis
- Antibiotics do not work on viruses.
- Pay careful attention to personal hygiene.
- Good hand-washing helps prevent spread of infection and viruses.
Danger Signs of Meningitis
The danger signs of meningitis (in both children and adults) include:
General Danger Signs:
- High fever (often sudden onset)
- Severe headache
- Neck stiffness (difficulty bending the neck forward)
- Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
- Altered mental status (confusion, drowsiness, difficulty waking up)
- Seizures
- Nausea and vomiting
- Cold hands and feet, limb pain, pale or mottled skin (signs of septicemia)
In Infants & Young Children:
- Bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the head)
- Poor feeding or refusing to eat
- High-pitched or weak cry
- Lethargy or extreme irritability
- Floppy body or stiffness
Signs of Meningococcal Septicemia (Emergency):
- Petechial or purpuric rash (non-blanching, red/purple spots)
- Rapid breathing or respiratory distress
- Shock (low blood pressure, weak pulse, altered consciousness)
⚠️ Seek immediate medical attention if any of these signs are present! Meningitis can rapidly progress to life-threatening complications.
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