Aseptic meningitis is also called sterile meningitis and it is an illness with several characteristics that are common and may be symptoms for other illnesses – headaches and fever. A special characteristic of the aseptic meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges or the lining of the brain.

Some causes of the aseptic meningitis are difficult to detect, but it is more the case of some viruses and fungi. Tuberculosis may also lead to aseptic meningitis, as well as some infections that affect the spinal cord or brain. Aseptic meningitis may be caused by some medication and that is why the patient should discuss the treatment for some illnesses and diseases, being aware of the risk factors that may be induced by the medication. The side effects of the medication are very important, as well as the specificity of the functioning of the body and the family history. These are some relevant aspects that need to be taken into account before starting a treatment with medication that present many side effects. Antibiotics and some anti-inflammatory medications may be the cause of aseptic meningitis.

Almost half of the cases of aseptic meningitis are caused by a group of viruses called enteroviruses. The activity of the enteroviruses is at the high level in the early fall and during the summer. The bad news about enteroviruses is that they are spread easily and may be introduced into the body by the simple contact hand-mouth and by coughing. Mumps may also be the cause of aseptic meningitis and it is spread more easily in the spring. Both types of herpes viruses may cause aseptic meningitis, especially in the case of children. The acute HIV syndrome includes the aseptic meningitis. This illness may be also caused by chicken pox and rabies virus. In rare cases the aseptic meningitis is caused by fungi, but however the most common cases are caused by the mentioned viruses. Mycobacteria and syphilis may also contribute to the appearance and development of the aseptic meningitis.

The risks of developing aseptic meningitis are higher in the case there are problems and disorders of the immune system. The risk factor is also present in the case of being exposed to other people who had a virus infection recently and this is more likely the case of care workers, doctors and other medical personnel. Reducing the risks of developing aseptic meningitis may help and it is possible due to a healthy lifestyle, washing hands properly and frequently, as well as some immunization factors.

The symptoms of the aseptic meningitis are the following: fever and headache; nausea and vomiting; muscle pain and in some cases sensitivity to light; sore throat and stiff neck. Some other symptoms concern the capacity of concentration, confusion, and the general discomfort. Abdominal pain and dizziness may also appear, as well as some other signs of illness. Diarrhea and lack of appetite may be some other signs for worries for the patients who suffer from aseptic meningitis.

Some cases of aseptic meningitis may present threaten for life and may need serious medical care. That is why calling the physician is required even in cases of headaches and fever, the most frequent signs of aseptic meningitis and of other illnesses. The sooner the cause of the discomfort and pain is discovered, the better. In rare cases hospitalization is necessary so that the treatment may be followed at home if some complications don’t occur. The complication is usually the infection of the brain, called encephalitis. It is important to specify that aseptic meningitis is the most frequent infection of meninges and is developed in many cases by men rather than women.