Last updated on April 6th, 2017 at 01:29 pm
As viral meningitis rarely threatens life, generally a lot less is understood about it and the effect it has on sufferers. People can be left feeling that they’re not taken seriously and are often not offered information and support during their recovery.
It is not known how many people get viral meningitis each year in the UK. Most cases are not severe enough to need hospital admission and treatment. Experts believe there are many thousands of cases, but even in those requiring hospitalisation it is often not possible to identify the specific viral cause.
Who can get viral meningitis?
Viral meningitis can affect any age group, but it is most common in young children as their body’s defences are not fully developed. If a virus invades the body their immune system cannot provide resistance to fight off infection.
What causes viral meningitis?
Many different viruses can cause meningitis; the most common are a group called enteroviruses. These viruses live in the intestines and can commonly cause colds, sore throats, stomach upsets and diarrhoea. Only rarely do these viruses spread through the body to the meninges and cause meningitis.
Other viruses that cause meningitis include mumps and measles. A routine MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) vaccine is available as part of the Childhood Immunisation Programme to prevent meningitis caused by mumps and measles.
How does viral meningitis develop?
The way in which the virus is spread will depend on its type. For example, enteroviruses are carried harmlessly in the intestines of both children and adults, and carriage of these viruses helps us to build up natural immunity to infection. Spread of these viruses is common and they can be passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing and on unwashed hands. Practising good hygiene will help to prevent the spread of viruses that are passed in faeces.
If viruses defeat the body’s defences they can cause infection. The meninges become inflamed and pressure around the brain can cause nerve damage. Symptoms can include:
- severe headache
- dislike of bright lights (photophobia)
- neck stiffness
- nausea and vomiting
- confusion and drowsiness
- loss of consciousness
- convulsions/seizures
Many people will only experience flu-like symptoms and will never be diagnosed with viral meningitis. For others, the symptoms can be more severe and they may be hospitalised with suspected bacterial meningitis. In hospital, various tests can be carried out to confirm the type of meningitis and treatment is started accordingly.
How is viral meningitis diagnosed?
One of the main investigations carried out to test if someone has meningitis is a lumbar puncture. This allows the doctor to quickly make a diagnosis of meningitis by analysing the fluid that bathes the meninges. This fluid becomes infected when a patient has meningitis.
Viruses may cause inflammation of the brain itself, a condition called encephalitis. This is a very serious condition, sometimes resulting in severe brain damage.
How is viral meningitis treated?
Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, although, in some instances, antibiotics may be started on admission to hospital because the cause of meningitis is not known. Antibiotics are usually discontinued if viral meningitis is diagnosed. Patients need to be hydrated with fluids, given painkillers and allowed to rest in order to recover.
Viral meningitis is not generally considered to be contagious and linked cases of viral meningitis are extremely unusual and almost all cases occur on their own.
What are the after effects of viral meningitis?
The majority of people who get viral meningitis will make a good recovery with no long lasting after-effects. However, a number of people will be left with a variety of problems, some serious enough to cause permanent disability
The after-effects of meningitis usually reflect damage to various areas of the brain. While the after-effects of viral meningitis are not usually as severe as those of bacterial meningitis, they can still be long-lasting. Commonly occurring after-effects include:
- exhaustion
- headaches
- memory loss
- anxiety
- depression
- dizziness/balance problems
- hearing difficulties
If you’ve suffered with viral meningitis we would recommend that you make an appointment with your GP to ask questions and make your GP aware of what you have been through.
