MENINGITIS, ASEPTIC (Non-Bacterial Meningitis) |
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MENINGITIS, ASEPTIC (Non-Bacterial Meningitis)
DESCRIPTIONAseptic meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (thin membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord). This is contagious. The brain and spinal cord are involved.
Appropriate health care includes:
Physician's monitoring of general condition and medications.
Hospitalization, except in mild cases.
Home care after hospitalization.
SIGNS & SYMPTOMS
Fever.
Headache.
Irritability.
Eyes that are sensitive to light.
Stiff neck.
Vomiting.
Confusion, lethargy, and drowsiness.
CAUSES
Viruses of several types, including the polio virus.
Fungi, including yeasts.
A reaction--probably an autoimmune response--following various viral illnesses, such as measles.
RISK FACTORS
Recent measles, German measles, or various types of flu.
Immunosuppressive treatment, such as for cancer or following an organ transplant.
Poor nutrition.
Recent illness that has lowered resistance.
Meningitis epidemics. The disease becomes more virulent as it spreads from person to person.
PREVENTING COMPLICATIONS OR RECURRENCEKeep your child's immunizations up to date against all viruses for which vaccines are available. See Appendix 1 for an immunization schedule.
BASIC INFORMATION
MEDICAL TESTS
Your own observation of symptoms.
Medical history and physical exam by a doctor.
Laboratory studies, such as blood-cell counts and examination of the cerebrospinal fluid.
POSSIBLE COMPLICATIONS
Permanent brain damage (rare).
Muscle impairment or paralysis (if caused by poliomyelitis).
PROBABLE OUTCOME
Most children recover fully from viral meningitis without specific therapy -- unlike bacterial meningitis, in which antibiotics may be life-saving.
TREATMENT
HOME CARENo special instructions except those listed under other headings.
MEDICATION
If your child's aseptic meningitis is caused by a virus, there is no medication for it. The body defenses will usually cure it (although a polio virus may leave permanent damage).
If your child's meningitis is caused by a fungus, your doctor may prescribe anti-fungal drugs, such as amphoterecin B.
See Medications section for information regarding medicines your doctor may prescribe.
ACTIVITY
Your child should rest in bed in a darkened room and then resume normal activities as soon as symptoms improve.
DIET & FLUIDS
No special diet. Encourage drinking 6 to 8 glasses of fluid daily, even if your child doesn't feel like it.
OK TO GO TO SCHOOL?When signs of infection have decreased, appetite returns, and alertness, strength, and feeling of well-being will allow.
CALL YOUR DOCTOR IF
Your child has symptoms of aseptic meningitis.
New, unexplained symptoms develop. Drugs used in treatment may produce side effects.
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