How can you tell the difference between bacterial meningitis and viral meningitis?

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I've been diagnosed with viral meningitis but I'm not sure the doctor was right since I've never gotten a spinal tap to check the fluids. I need to know if I can distinguish between the two kinds of meningitis. The faster and more informative the response, the better.
When did you first become ill if it was 3 days or more ago then it is viral otherwise you would be dead. If it has been less then 3 days go to you local ER asap and tell them what your dr told you. Your dr is an idiot for saying that the only way to see if it is meningitis is to do an LP or grow blood cultures. I think what you have is viral because if it was bacterial you would not be able to be sitting on the computer.

For all you know you don't have Meningitis at all.
Good luck and i hope your feeling better soon  (+ info)

How long does it take to get over viral meningitis?

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My daughter, aged 20 is still feeling ill one week after being diagnosed with viral meningitis. She is nauseous and wants to know if it is normal and how long it takes to go away. She is not eating, feels completely helpless and just wants to sleep all the time. Has anyone been through this and what advice can you give. All advice will be appreciated. Thank you.
Viral Meningitis can take month's to recover from, as sufferer's can develop a post-viral syndrome that causes severe fatigue, and associated symptoms such as headaches. It is a syndrome like chronic fatigue. The general period of disease of viral meningitis can typically last up to one week, with symptoms gradually lessening. If you believe recovery is not moving fast enough, I would check in with your doctor.  (+ info)

Is it typical to be mean while recouperating from viral meningitis?

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My 18 year old was released from the hospital after 4 days with viral meningitis. He has always been moody but now he is being mean to those around him. Is this typical? How long do the headaches continue?
well changing of behaviour,may be he is just tired of his illness or from his headache,is he on drug now?gross changing in behavior like sudden eplosive violence or swearing or nudity in the public or any other gross acts should draw ur attention and consult ur doctor,about how long will last the headache,i dont know  (+ info)

Could viral meningitis cause pain receptors in the human body to die or weaken?

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Ever since I found out a couple of years ago that I had viral meningitis and was treated for it, the doctor noticed that I have an extreme ability to block out pain. I was wondering that since viral meningitis attacks the nerves in the spinal cord that maybe the virus attacked my pain receptors.
  (+ info)

Does anyone know if Viral Meningitis can affect your mood after having it?

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Someone who was once full of life and happy go lucky, contracted Viral Meningitis, and they seemed so different afterwards. They seemed to be moodier - and although it was years ago now, mood swings are quite apparent even today.
My son in law got Viral meningitis a couple of years ago and he has had a complete personality change. He used to be very shy, quiet and reserved. Now he is outgoing and its difficult to get a word in edge ways when having a conversation with him.  (+ info)

My husband has been diagnosed with viral meningitis and now has a terrible itchy rash. what to do?

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he has been on a pain killer called Norco for the exrteme headahes which is expected for the viral meningitis. and also benydryl for the rash but the benydryl is not helping the rash is so unbearable that he can't rest. Although the norco seems to be working the rash is making things worse. He also takes a regular drug for thyroid and another for high blood pressure on a regular basis. Please help. we have been in the emergency room twice this past week only to be sent home, and now being the weekend we can't get advice from the ER over the phone and our regular doctor isn't available.
Is he taking Benadryl by mouth? Doctors often prescribe oral Benadryl for itching, but it rarely works.

If the skin isn't broken, try using a topical form of Benadryl. It is available in the drugstore. Depending on your drugstore and your location, it might be available as a spray, a dab-on liquid, or an ointment. The generic name is dyphenhydramine, so look at brands other than Benadryl, too.

Benadryl is an antihistamine, so it is good for allergic reactions. But the reason that it works when you put it on an itchy spot is because it is a potent local anesthetic. So it will help itching whether it is an allergic reaction or not. It doesn't work immediately when you put it on; give it about 20 minutes.

There are other over-the-counter items for itching, most of which contain hydrocortisone. These might work, but not very fast in someone who is suffering. Also, if the area that itches is extensive, you would probably absorb a lot of hydrocortisone. That affects your immune response, which is not good in someone fighting a virus. If you absorb a lot of Benadryl through your skin, it is no worse than taking it by mouth. The main side effects of Benadryl are drowsiness and dry mouth.

The third option is the itch medication with the "caine" in it. Benzocaine, lidocaine, etc. These might work, but don't use them if the rash is extensive, because they have cardiac effects when absorbed.

Your husband might be allergic to the Norco. Did he start taking it before or after the rash started? If the rash came after the Norco, you might ask the doctor to change the medication when you finally reach him.

I sure hope this helps you.  (+ info)

What mental issues does Viral Meningitis cause?

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ive just been diagnosed with viral meningitis [not so serious as bacterial i.e. i was told to treat it at home] and ive read on webmd that it causes mental disturbances..
what does viral meningitis cause in the brain?
Viral meningitis is usually self-limiting and will clear on it's own. That's the good news, relative to bacterial meningitis that can be fatal. The "mental disturbances" are usually mild but vary. Some things I have seen:Headache, drowsiness, mild confusion to stupor, lethargy... usually nothing extreme or permanent like hallucinations or altered mental status. So relax and let your immune system clear the infection. Best of luck.  (+ info)

What's the difference between Viral, bacterial and fungal meningitis?

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I know that they're all different types obviously, bacterial being the most severe. But what's the difference? How does it affect the meninges different and body systems etc?

Also..is meningitis just caused frm typical bacteria that just gets spread through the blood into the spinal fluid?
For example makes bacterial so much worse than viral and how can viral disappear on it's own where bacterial, treatment is necessary.
The MAIN thing I need to know is WHY bacterial is so much more harmful than viral. Like, if both affect the meninges, why is viral so much less serious?
Viral meningitis can be caused by many different viruses, including common intestinal viruses and viruses associated with mumps and herpes infection. In some cases, people can get viral meningitis from drinking polluted water.

The viruses that cause meningitis are contagious, but most people who become infected don't actually develop meningitis. Viral meningitis is usually mild and often clears up within one to two weeks.

Bacterial meningitis is a serious and frequently fatal illness. Even treated early, it can result in brain damage, hearing loss or learning disabilities. Some forms of bacterial meningitis such as meningococcal meningitis are highly contagious. The bacteria are spread though coughing, sneezing, kissing or sharing items such as eating utensils or toothbrushes with an infected person. Bacteria commonly identified as causing meningitis are Neisseria meningitidis, Haemophilus influenza, group B streptococcus (in newborns) and Streptococcus pneumoniae. Other less common bacteria include tuberculosis, Listeria, Staphlococcus and Salmonella.

Fungal and parasitic meningitis are relatively uncommon. Fungal meningitis is more common in people with a weakened immune system.

Viral meningitis usually doesn't require treatment, although certain types of viral meningitis such as herpes meningitis (HSV1) must be treated with antiviral agents to prevent complications or even death. Doctors often recommend bed rest, fluids and over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and headache. Most people completely recover on their own.

Bacterial meningitis needs to be treated immediately to prevent serious complications and death. A number of antibiotics can be used to treat bacterial meningitis, depending on the organism causing the infection. Other medications may also be used to treat symptoms and prevent permanent damage from the disease.  (+ info)

what is the gestation period for Bacterial and/or Viral meningitis?

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A freind of ours just got put in the hospital for meningitis,, they don't know if it is bacterial or viral. He was over here, about a week and a half ago. I have 2 kids, and am concerned if they can get it, or my husband and I.
Patients with meningitis typically remain contagious while they still have symptoms. People who have bacterial meningitis can be contagious for about 24 hours after they begin taking antibiotics. Incubation period ranges from 2-14 days.  (+ info)

Why go to the ER if Viral Meningitis is not treatable?

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My doctors says I have Viral meningitis.
I have had a cold/flu sinus infection, stiff neck and major headache
for a week. My head and neck pain are a bit worse so he says go to ER.
I am wondering why bother if its something that can't be
treated! I don't have money to waste at the ER for them to say oh yes you have it
not go home and rest because its viral and can't be treated.

Thanks!

Trisa
It can be treated to some extent but mostly they can support your body while you fight it off. You have a chance at the hospital. You have little chance without.  (+ info)

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