Aseptic Meningitis Symptoms

When the lining of the brain becomes inflamed, this type of illness is termed as meningitis. It can be either a mild case of meningitis, but in some, even fatal. Pyogenic (pus formation) bacteria isn't the one responsible for this illness, but is non viral or viral based depending on the case. It is also called sterile meningitis, where the meninges of the brain becomes inflamed. The signs of this condition are very similar to that of bacterial meningitis, although the intensity of the illness varies - the aseptic meningitis symptoms aren't as severe as that of bacterial. We look into the causes and symptoms of this problem, and how it is important to get it treated pronto.

Types of Meningitis

There are different kinds of meningitis, aseptic being one of them. Before we get into the symptoms of this illness in children and adults, we first look into the different types of this condition.

Pneumococcal
Also known as streptococcus pneumoniae, this brings on a type of meningitis condition where the most prone victims, fall in the age gap of 18 months and below. Those too who are elderly, and have a weak immune system, aren't spared by the effects of this illness.

Amoebic
This is brought on by an amoeba that lives in pools that are geothermal in nature, or those that are stagnant in nature with temperatures touching 30°C. It is rare in its form, although it can increase in severity, proving to be fatal in the end.

TB
The bacterium responsible for bringing on this illness is bacillus tubercle, affecting the elderly, where the lungs are targeted first, thus making its way through the blood stream, to the brain.

Meningococcal
This comes about due to the meningococcal bacteria, occurring in five groups under which it is classified namely, A,B,C, W135 and Y. This bacterium resides within the system in areas of the respiratory tract, nose and throat. People sometimes are unaware that they carry this bacterium in them, later affecting others as well.

Neonatal
This form of meningitis affects newborn babies when they're premature, and pose as a convenient target for this bacteria-caused condition. The bacteria in question is the E.coli and B streptococcal bacteria.

Meningococcal Septicemia
The bacterium itself is the same as the condition it was named after, where this enters the blood stream of its victims, rapidly reproducing from within the system, releasing toxins in the process. This can be fatal in nature, and needs immediate medical assistance when detected.

Fungal
This is brought on by the cryptococcus neoformans bacterium, and takes place in those suffering from leukemia and AIDS, being prime victims to circulate through.

Viral
This is the most common and not a very severe case of meningitis. The bacteria behind this type of condition, is the coxsackievirus, and the enterovirus. Those suffering from polio, measles and chickenpox can have an infection that usually leads to this.

Hib
This condition is brought on by the Haemophilus influenzae type B bacteria, which affects infants on a higher rate.

Viral Aseptic Meningitis Causes

We now discuss what the causes of this illness are, and look into how this can affect people, infants and children of all ages.

• Medications that are anti-inflammatory in nature, and even antibiotics can cause aseptic meningitis.
• Certain viruses, as you now know from the above types.
• Mumps
• Chickenpox
• Mycobacteria
• Rabies
• West Nile virus
• Lyme disease
• Fungi
• Brain/spinal cord infection
• Herpes virus type 1 & 2
• Certain forms of cancer
• HIV
• Tuberculosis

Viral Aseptic Meningitis Symptoms

The symptoms of this illness are, like was said, very similar to bacterial meningitis, but still very different in terms of severity.

• Pain residing in the muscle region.
• Feeling drowsy
• Neck is stiff
• Confused sensations
• Pain in the abdomen region
• Headaches
• Sore throat
• Vomiting
• Fever and chills
• Light sensitivity problems
• Meningitis rash
• Feeling some form of discomfort
• Complexion is pale
• Vocal sounds from crying, are high-pitched (infants)
• Seizures
• Infants don't like to be handled by parents.
• Feverish
• Soft spot on the baby's head is bulbous to the touch
• Stomach cramps
• Expressionless face in infants
• Diarrhea

Aseptic meningitis symptoms can be treated if identified in time. Usually when under treatment, the recovering time spans a period of four weeks or less. If you experience any of the above mentioned symptoms, don't hesitate to have it checked out by your doctor. Stay safe.