Viral meningitis history and symptoms

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Ahmed Elsaiey, MBBCH [2]

Overview

Symptoms are varied, depending on the causative organism. The symptoms of viral meningitis usually last from 7 to 10 days, and people with normal immune systems usually recover completely.A rash may be present, which could suggest a particular virus - for example, varicella zoster. However, a non-blanching purpuric rash is not associated with meningitis and suggests systemic bacterial infection. The more common symptoms of meningitis are fever, severe headache, stiff neck, bright lights hurting the eyes, drowsiness or confusion, and nausea and vomiting. In babies, the symptoms are more difficult to identify. They may include fever, fretfulness or irritability, difficulty in awakening the baby, or the baby refuses to eat. The symptoms of meningitis may not be the same for every person. Viral meningitis then followed by headache, stiff neck, fever, photophobia, drowsiness and myalgia.

History and symptoms

Viral meningitis symptoms are similar to the bacterial meningitis but the viral one are milder. Patients with viral meningitis usually present with history of general manifestations but most common they give history of severe headache. They also give history of low grade fever in the beginning of the disease, however, they can give history of high grade fever if the disease advanced and neurological symptoms noticed. It is important to know the history of exposure to mosquito bites, contact with patient diagnosed with meningitis or having unsafe sex. There are general symptoms for the viral meningitis and specific symptoms for each single virus.

Common symptoms

Common Symptoms in Infants

• Fever
• Irritability
• Poor eating
• Lethargy
• Sleepy and trouble in walking up from sleeping

Common Symptoms in Adults

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to bright light
• Feeling sleepy with some troubles in walking up from sleeping
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Lack of appetite