Viral meningitis: Causes, Symptoms, Daignosis & Treatments
Causes & Symptoms When we look at viral meningitis, symptoms are similar to bacterial meningitis, but they are usually much weaker. Neurological symptoms may be relatively low or absent. However, in neonates, herpes simplex virus meningitis is associated with a higher risk of severe systemic diseases such as pneumonia, hepatitis, and myocarditis. When infected with enteroviruses (poliovirus, coxsackievirus, echovirus, numbered enteroviruses), which are the most common cause of viral meningitis, sudden fever of 38 ~ 40 ℃ occurs in more than half of cases. In addition, if the child has symptoms such as conjunctivitis, pharyngitis, rash, and wrist disease, enterovirus may be suspected. Herpes simplex virus, arbovirus, lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus, influenza virus, and mumps virus. Diagnosis The Bacterial Meningitis Score (BMS) can be used to predict if the cause is due to the virus. CSF pleocytosis (WBC count ≥10 cells / μL for CSF) In children who have not received antibiot...