Questions about Viral Meningitis?

Hello all.

My 76-year old grandmother has been sick in ICU for almost a week. She has a lot of different things wrong with her, and recently they did a spinal tap and found she has a slight case of viral meningitis.

I, myself, have been experiencing a low-grade fever & slight-nasuea. This has been going on for about a week. I thought this may be my body's reaction to some new birth control pills (my body hates medicine). But, now, I am a little concerned.

I know this form of meningitis isn't highly contagious but, she is my grandma, so of course, I am kissing her and loving on her.

Can someone tell what the test for meningitis entails? And also, just for a little info - I am 27 years old and healthy.

How are encephalitis and meningitis diagnosed?

Encephalitis or meningitis are suggested when the symptoms described above are present. The doctor diagnoses encephalitis or meningitis after a careful examination and testing. The examination includes special maneuvers to detect signs of inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord (meninges).

Tests that are used in the evaluation of individuals suspected of having encephalitis or meningitis include blood counts, brain scanning (such as MRI scan), and spinal fluid analysis.

A lumbar puncture is the most common method of obtaining a sample of the fluid in the spinal canal (the cerebrospinal fluid or CSF) for examination. A lumbar puncture (an LP) is the insertion of a needle into the fluid within the spinal canal. It is termed a "lumbar puncture" because the needle goes into the lumbar portion (the "small") of the back. (Less commonly, spinal fluid can also be obtained from other levels of the spine.)

The diagnosis is confirmed by abnormal spinal fluid results.

It can be transferrable....the test is usually a spinal tap
I would call a Dr or mention it to her Dr next time you are there

Hi,ya i had this myself as a child i was very delarious with a high temp i could not stand light i was vomiting and my joints ached but alot of the time the symtons can be different best thing is go to your gp or local a&e it can be contagious so get checked to be safe good look to you and your nan

Viral (or aseptic) meningitis is the most common kind. It's caused by an infection with one of several types of viruses. It can also be caused by infections with several types of bacteria or fungi.

More Common Symptoms
*fever
*severe headaches
*stiff neck
*bright lights hurting the eyes
*sudden drowsiness or confusion
*nausea & vomiting

Viral meningitis is a serious but rarely fatal disease in people who have a normal immune system. Usually, the symptoms last 7-10 days and the patient will recover completely. Bacterial meningitis is very serious and can result in disability or death. Unfortunately the symptoms are the same for both, so if you suspect someone has this disease, take them to the doctor as soon as you can.

There are no proven treatments for viral meningitis at this time but bed rest, plenty of fluids and medicines to relieve fever and headache.

Enteroviruses, the most common cause of the spread of viral meningitis, are most often spread through direct contact with respiratory secrections (saliva, sputum, or nasal mucus). This usually happens when you shake hands with the patient, touching something that they have touched and then rubbing your own nose or mouth.

Severe headache and stiff neck. It is the birth control pills.