What is Aseptic Meningitis?

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.