We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Health

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Aseptic Meningitis?

By Jacquelyn Gilchrist
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 2,924
Share

Aseptic meningitis occurs when the membranes that surround the spinal cord and brain become inflamed. This is similar to bacterial meningitis, except that bacteria is not present in these cases. Sometimes, this disease is referred to interchangeably with the viral form, but it can also be caused by non-viral factors. Many people stricken with it suffer from mild symptoms and can easily recover. Others experience a more severe case that may even be life-threatening.

Some symptoms of aseptic meningitis are similar to the other form of the illness, including a stiff neck, headache, and fever. Patients may also experience abdominal pain, general muscle pain, and malaise. Some may notice a rash, sore throat, or an increased sensitivity to light. Drowsiness, chills, and nausea with vomiting can also occur.

Patients who experience these symptoms should see a doctor as soon as possible. If a physician suspects aseptic meningitis, during a physical examination, he will likely observe a fast heart rate and an elevated body temperature. He may order a blood test and a chest x-ray. To confirm his findings, the doctor will require a lumbar puncture, also called a spinal tap. This diagnostic procedure involves drawing out cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) with a syringe in order to test it for abnormalities.

An accurate evaluation of aseptic meningitis will also require finding the cause of the illness. This enables the doctor to prescribe the correct course of treatment. Once the test results are in, the doctor may find that the disease was caused by a fungus, an infection, or a virus. It could also be associated with a medication or even cancer. Other possible causes include diseases like tuberculosis, chicken pox, and syphilis, as well as West Nile or a herpes simplex virus.

If the doctor determines that aseptic meningitis was caused by a virus, usually no standard course of drugs is prescribed. Most patients will recover within five to 14 days. Some people may experience lingering light-headedness or fatigue.

The exception to this is if the patient suffers from aseptic meningitis due to chicken pox or a herpes virus. In these cases, the doctor may prescribe an antiviral medication. If aseptic meningitis was caused by a medication, the doctor may switch the patient to another drug to resolve the illness. Other supportive treatments, regardless of the cause of illness, may include over-the-counter pain relievers, anti-nausea drugs, or intravenous fluids, if necessary.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-aseptic-meningitis.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.