Serous meningitis is a disease accompanied by inflammation of the meninges. As a rule, this form of the inflammatory process has a viral origin and is often a complication of diseases such as influenza, measles, rubella. Since children are most susceptible to this ailment, many parents are interested in questions about what are the causes and symptoms of serous meningitis.
Serous meningitis and its features
It is immediately worth noting that this form of the disease is considered less dangerous than inflammation of bacterial and fungal origin - it is less often accompanied by complications and is relatively easier to treat. And before you know what the symptoms of serous meningitis look like , it is worth familiarizing yourself with the basic information about this disease.
Inflammation with a serous form is benign. Replication of viral particles occurs in the cells of the brain, which leads to a violation of the hemodynamics of blood vessels, thus, a large amount of water and salts from the bloodstream into the cerebrospinal fluid. An increase in CSF leads to an increase in intracranial pressure, which can explain the main symptoms of serous meningitis.
As already mentioned, most often the disease is diagnosed in children. But in adult patients, the development of viral meningitis is possible only with a weakened immune system, which is often caused by previous acute or chronic diseases.
What are the main symptoms of serous meningitis?
The clinical picture in this case is quite clear. First, severe headaches appear, which are usually localized in the temporal areas. The attacks are so strong that the slightest physical activity or even eyeball movement can aggravate the situation. Along with this, nausea, weakness, increased irritability, as well as a strong sensitivity to light are observed - these are the first signs of serous meningitis.
In newborn babies, with an increase in intracranial pressure, a large fontanel swells. Fever with a similar disease has a wave-like character - the temperature rises sharply to 39-40 degrees, normalizes after a few days, and rises again after a couple of days.
But such characteristic symptoms as drowsiness and stiff neck muscles, with a serous form of inflammation, are usually absent.
Treatments for Serous Meningitis
To make an accurate diagnosis, spinal puncture is performed. During such a procedure,
cerebrospinal fluid enters through the needle under high pressure, which is an important characteristic. In a laboratory study, bacterial organisms are not detected in the samples.
In any case, only a doctor can decide how to treat this disease. Serous meningitis requires a special approach, because antibiotics in this case are useless. As a rule, to begin with, patients are prescribed antiviral drugs (Acyclovir, Interferon). In some cases, the use of immunoglobulins is necessary.
To stabilize intracranial pressure, diuretics are used (Furosemide preparation). Lumbar punctures have not only diagnostic, but also therapeutic value, since with such a procedure the volume of cerebrospinal fluid decreases, which has a beneficial effect on the patient's condition. In more severe cases, hormonal anti-inflammatory drugs are used. With convulsions, muscle relaxants are required.