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Meningitis is a condition that causes inflammation of the tissues that surround the brain and spinal cord. Inflammation can be caused by a bacterial infection known as bacterial meningitis. Aseptic meningitis occurs when a disease is not caused by microorganisms. The majority of cases of aseptic meningitis are caused by viruses, which is why the condition is also known as viral meningitis.

Aseptic meningitis symptoms

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Aseptic meningitis is typically a benign infection that heals without the use of medication or treatment. Because many of the symptoms are similar to those of a common cold or flu, you may be unaware that you have aseptic meningitis. Aseptic meningitis is distinct from bacterial meningitis, which can be fatal and cause severe symptoms. It can be difficult to know what form of meningitis occurred in the early stages without a medical exam. Aseptic meningitis can also lead to life-threatening complications.

Diagnosis of aseptic meningitis

If the doctor suspects meningitis, he will order tests to determine if it is aseptic or bacterial meningitis. The doctor will almost certainly do a spinal tap. During a spinal tap, the doctor will extract cerebrospinal fluid from the spine. This is the only sure way to diagnose meningitis.

Spinal fluid is produced by the brain and surrounds and protects the brain and spinal cord. The protein levels in spinal fluid will be raised, as will the white blood cell count. This fluid can also assist the clinician in determining whether the meningitis is the result of bacteria, viruses, or other infectious agents. Lumbar puncture is a common medical test used to identify aseptic meningitis. A medical specialist inserts a needle between two vertebrae to extract cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from the spinal cord. The CSF fluid from the lumbar puncture is studied under a microscope or cultured to distinguish between bacterial and aseptic meningitis. CSF samples are subjected to cell counts, Gram staining, viral cultures, and polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Although polymerase chain reaction has increased doctors' ability to detect viruses such as enterovirus, cytomegalovirus, and herpes virus in CSF, many viruses continue to defy detection.

Other laboratory tests include the collection of blood, urine, and faeces. Medical staff can also do a Computed Tomographic (CT) scan or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which can detect calcifications or abscesses.

Treatment

Treatment will vary depending on the cause of the meningitis. Most people with aseptic meningitis recover in one to two weeks without medical therapy. To ease symptoms, take medications and drink plenty of water. To manage pain and fever, analgesics and anti-inflammatory medications may be prescribed. If the aseptic meningitis was caused by a fungus or a treatable virus, such as herpes, the doctor may also prescribe medications. In rare cases, aseptic meningitis can develop brain infections, and consequences are more frequent. They can also occur if the immune system gets compromised.