How do you detect viral meningitis?
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.
What is meningitis list 4 signs and symptoms?
Symptoms of meningitis, septicaemia and meningococcal disease include:
- a high temperature.
- cold hands and feet.
- vomiting.
- confusion.
- breathing quickly.
- muscle and joint pain.
- pale, mottled or blotchy skin.
- spots or a rash.
What causes viral meningitis?
The viruses and bacteria that cause meningitis can be spread through: sneezing. coughing. kissing.
What is the best treatment for viral meningitis?
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.
How do you know if meningitis is viral or bacterial?
The clues that the doctor uses are the levels of white cells, protein and glucose in the CSF. Typically in bacterial meningitis the white cell count is much higher than in viral meningitis (and is a different type of white cell), the protein is much higher and the glucose is much lower than in viral meningitis.
What is the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis?
Viral meningitis is an infection caused by viruses and bacterial meningitis is an infection caused by bacteria.
How do you tell the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis?
Can you have viral meningitis without a fever?
Viral meningitis usually begins with symptoms of a viral infection, such as fever, a general feeling of illness (malaise), cough, muscle aches, vomiting, loss of appetite, and headache. However, occasionally, people have no symptoms at first.
What happens if viral meningitis goes untreated?
These people are given antibiotics until doctors are sure that they do not have bacterial meningitis Acute Bacterial Meningitis Acute bacterial meningitis is rapidly developing inflammation of the layers of tissue that cover the brain and spinal cord (meninges) and of the fluid-filled space between the meninges ( …
How can you tell the difference between viral and bacterial meningitis?
Where is a meningitis headache located?
The headache is generalized all over the head. Drowsiness and confusion may be present in the more severe cases. Seizures are rare in meningitis, but common in encephalitis which is an infection of the brain tissue. The onset of the headache and fever usually occurs quite rapidly.
Does a blood test show viral meningitis?
To do a blood test for signs of meningitis, a technician inserts a needle into a vein in your arm and draws out a sample of your blood to send to a lab for testing. A complete blood count (CBC) or total protein count check for heightened levels of certain cells and proteins that can suggest a meningitis infection.
Which is worse viral or bacterial meningitis?
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 is worse bacterial meningitis or viral?
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.
Can viral meningitis be diagnosed with a blood test?
How do I know if my neck pain is meningitis?
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.