by Berneice Shields
Published 3 years ago
Updated 2 years ago
Treatment. In most cases, there is no specific treatment for viral meningitis. Most people who get mild viral meningitis usually recover completely in 7 to 10 days without treatment. Antiviral medicine may help people with meningitis caused by viruses such as herpesvirus and influenza.
Which medicine can fight viral meningitis?
Commonly used meningitis treatments include a class of antibiotics called cephalosporins, especially Claforan (cefotaxime) and Rocephin (ceftriaxone). Various penicillin-type antibiotics, aminoglycoside drugs such as gentamicin, and others, are also used.Nov 5, 2009
Can you survive viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis is rarely life-threatening, but can leave you with lifelong after-effects. All causes of meningitis are serious and need medical attention. Meningitis can affect anyone, of any age, at any time, however there are 'at risk' groups.
What is the survival rate of viral meningitis?
Excluding the neonatal period, the mortality rate associated with viral meningitis is less than 1%; the morbidity rate is also low.
How long do symptoms of viral meningitis last?
How long does viral meningitis last? Most people who get sick with viral meningitis usually feel better completely in seven to ten days.
Is viral meningitis serious?
Viral meningitis is an infection of the membranes (linings) that cover the brain and spinal cord. A variety of viruses can cause meningitis, including those that cause gastroenteritis, measles, mumps, chicken pox and herpes. Viral meningitis is rarely serious, although symptoms may be severe.
What happens if viral meningitis goes untreated?
If left untreated, the virus can cause viral meningitis. This condition can be life-threatening and can cause lasting brain damage.Feb 15, 2022
Can viral meningitis damage brain?
Bacteria or a virus can cause meningitis. Viral meningitis is more common, but bacterial meningitis is more serious. It can lead to brain damage, paralysis, or stroke. In some cases, it can be fatal.
What are the complications of viral meningitis?
Main complications
hearing loss, which may be partial or total – people who have had meningitis will usually have a hearing test after a few weeks to check for any problems. recurrent seizures (epilepsy) problems with memory and concentration. co-ordination, movement and balance problems.
How serious is meningitis in adults?
Meningitis is a potentially life-threatening infection of the meninges, the tough layer of tissue that surrounds the brain and the spinal cord. If not treated, meningitis can lead to brain swelling and cause permanent disability, coma, and even death.
How is viral meningitis detected?
To diagnose viral meningitis, the doctor performs a lumbar puncture or 'spinal tap' to obtain some of the fluid that normally surrounds the brain and spinal cord. Laboratory tests on this fluid help the doctor decide whether the infection is caused by a virus or other germ such as bacteria.
Is viral meningitis worse than bacterial?
Meningitis caused by viruses is serious but often is less severe than bacterial meningitis. People with normal immune systems who get viral meningitis usually get better on their own. There are vaccines to prevent some kinds of viral meningitis.
What does viral meningitis headache feel like?
A headache caused by meningitis is typically described as severe and unrelenting. It does not subside by taking an aspirin. Stiff neck. This symptom most commonly involves a reduced ability to flex the neck forward, also called nuchal rigidity.
What Causes Viral Meningitis?
There are a number of viruses that can cause meningitis. They include: 1. Enteroviruses 2. Herpes simplex virus 1 and 2 3. Varicella zoster virus,...
What Are Other Causes of Viral Meningitis?
Certain insects can also transmit viruses that cause meningitis, such as: 1. West Nile virus from mosquitos in certain parts of the Americas, Afric...
Is Viral Meningitis Contagious?
Yes, but it’s unlikely to spread. While the viruses that cause the disease are generally easily passed between people, viral meningitis itself is n...
How Long Does Viral Meningitis Last?
Most cases go away on their own within 7 to 10 days. (1) Sometimes recovery can take a few months; this is most likely if the meningitis is caused...
Is Viral Meningitis fatal?
It can be, but according to the National Meningitis Association, it’s not as deadly or incapacitating as bacterial meningitis. (7)It can be deadly...
Can You Get Viral Meningitis More Than once?
Yes. But it is very rare for a person to have two or more episodes of meningitis, because most people develop immunity to the virus that caused the...
How Is Viral Meningitis Treated?
If a person is acutely ill, antibiotics will be administered while waiting for test results to confirm whether the illness is bacterial meningitis,...
How Can You Prevent Viral Meningitis?
Vaccines can prevent some types of viral meningitis, though this doesn't include meningitis caused by enteroviruses.In this case, avoiding close co...
