WHAT YOU SHOULD
KNOW
Viral meningitis (men-in-JIE-tis), also called ""aseptic
(a-SEP-tik) meningitis,'' is an infection that causes
irritation and swelling of the tissue around the brain and
spinal cord. The symptoms are uncomfortable, but usually clear
up in a week or two.
Causes
The disease can be caused by a
wide variety of viruses. It sometimes takes hold after a viral
infection elsewhere in the body, such as mumps, measles, or
chicken pox.
Signs/Symptoms
Symptoms typically include fever,
headache, stiff neck, irritability, tiredness, confusion, and
vomiting. Additionally, the eyes may be sensitive to
light.
Care
Rest and recuperation is the best
treatment. Antibiotics will not relieve this illness because
they don't work on viruses. You should rest in a dark room for
2 to 7 days.
Risks
In severe cases, viral meningitis
can cause brain damage, muscle problems, or (rarely)
paralysis.
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO
-
Take any medication your doctor prescribes exactly as
directed. You may take acetaminophen for
pain.
-
Stay away from others until your doctor says you can
no longer spread the infection.
-
Although no special diet is needed, drink about 6 to
8 glasses (soda-can size) of water a day, even if you don't
feel like it.
-
If you have headaches, rest in a dark, quiet
room.
-
To keep from spreading germs, wash your hands after
each trip to the bathroom and before
eating.
-
As soon as you feel better, you can return to your
normal activities.
Call Your Doctor If...
-
You have new symptoms (such as a rash, itching,
swelling, or trouble breathing) that started when you began
taking medicine. You may be allergic to the
drug.
Seek Care Immediately If...
-
Anyone else in the family develops the symptoms of
meningitis.
-
Anyone in the family becomes confused or difficult to
wake up, or has a high temperature.
IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE
HOSPITAL...
What to Expect While You're
There
You may encounter the following
procedures and equipment during your stay.
-
Room: Your room will be kept dark and quiet to make
you comfortable and ease your pain. You may not want too
many visitors until you feel better.
-
Isolation: To keep from spreading the infection, you
will be kept away from others. Nurses and others around you
will wear face masks and gowns to keep from getting the
disease.
-
CT Scan: This computerized x-ray machine can be used
to take pictures of the brain. Doctors will check the
x-rays for signs of danger to the
brain.
-
Lumbar Puncture: Also called a spinal tap. In this
test, fluid is taken from your spine and tested for
evidence of the virus.
-
Neuro Signs : The doctor will examine your eyes,
check your memory, and see how easily you awaken. These
signs show how well your brain is handling the
infection.
-
Taking Vital Signs: These include your temperature,
blood pressure, pulse (counting your heartbeats), and
respirations (counting your breaths). A stethoscope is used
to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is
taken by wrapping a cuff around your
arm.
-
Pulse Oximeter: You may be hooked up to a pulse
oximeter (ox-IM-uh-ter). It is placed on your ear, finger,
or toe and is connected to a machine. It measures the
oxygen in your blood.
-
Blood: Usually taken from a vein in your hand or
from the bend in your elbow. Tests will be done on the
blood.
-
IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medicine
or liquids. It will be capped or have tubing connected to
it.
-
Medicines:
-
Pain medicine may be given in your IV, as a shot,
or by mouth. If the pain does not go away or comes back,
tell a doctor right away.
-
Fever medicine such as acetaminophen will be given
for your fever. It may be given by mouth or in your
rectum.
-
Anti-nausea medicine may be given to get rid of
nausea and control vomiting so that you do not lose too
much body fluid (become dehydrated).
After You Leave
-
Follow the guidelines listed under ""What You Should
Do.''
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