Enteroviral meningitis is a fairly extensive group of diseases, each of which is accompanied by inflammation of the membranes of the brain of one degree or another. Interestingly, such disorders are considered seasonal, since the largest number of outbreaks of the disease occurs in spring and summer. Children are most susceptible to viral infection, and the younger the sick child, the more dangerous the consequences.
Enteroviral meningitis and their causes
In this case, the cause of the inflammatory process is a rather large group of enteroviruses, which, in fact, is evidenced by the name. In most cases, meningitis develops as a result of the activity of the Coxsackie virus type A or B, as well as ECHO. Transmission of infection can be carried out by airborne droplets.
Nevertheless, the immunity of the patient is of great importance in such a disease. That is why children under the age of nine are most often sick, since during this period the immune system only develops.
As for the incubation period, it averages seven days.
Enteroviral meningitis in children: photos and symptoms
In most cases, the disease begins acutely. Suddenly, a strong fever appears - body temperature rises to 38-39, and sometimes 40 degrees. As the disease develops, all the symptoms characteristic of meningitis also appear.
A sick child suffers from weakness and dizziness, as well as severe headaches. In the future, intracranial pressure rises. Enteroviral meningitis is accompanied by loss of appetite and severe vomiting, which, unfortunately, does not bring visible relief. Along with this, an increased sensitivity to light develops - the patient feels comfortable only in the twilight.
There is also such a characteristic symptom of inflammation as stiff neck - the patient cannot press his chin to his chest. Signs of meningitis can also include the appearance of a rash on the body, disruption of the digestive system, diarrhea, myalgia. By the way, in newborns, an increase in pressure inside the cranium is accompanied by swelling and pulsation of the large fontanel.
Why are enteroviral meningitis dangerous?
In fact, such a disease is quite easily treatable. With appropriate care and medical care, the main symptoms of meningitis disappear after a few days, and after 10 days, a full recovery occurs.
The group most at risk is newborns, as the infection affects the entire body. Complications include myocarditis, enterocolitis. In the most severe cases, acute liver failure develops with further tissue necrosis.
Enteroviral meningitis and their treatment
If you have fever, severe headache and vomiting, you should immediately seek help. The diagnosis of meningitis can only be made by a doctor after receiving the results of tests and some studies. In most cases, the presence of inflammation can be confirmed by spinal puncture. By the way, after this procedure, patients usually feel relief, since eliminating excess cerebrospinal fluid reduces pressure inside the skull.
A sick person needs a strict bed rest. The main symptoms are removed with the help of analgesics, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory drugs, in particular, preparations containing ibuprofen. In the first few days, the administration of prednisolone is indicated. In some cases, the doctor prescribes sedatives, as well as immunomodulatory drugs that help the body fight the infection on its own.