Your short guide to viral meningitis

Transcription

1 Your short guide to viral meningitis

2 What is viral meningitis? Meningitis can affect anyone. It is the inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround and protect the brain and spinal cord. It can be caused by many different organisms, including bacteria and viruses. Viral meningitis is more common than bacterial meningitis, and although rarely life-threatening, it can make people very unwell. Most people do make a very good recovery, but for some recovery can be slow and after-effects long lasting. As viral meningitis is rarely life-threatening, generally a lot less is understood about it and the effect it has on sufferers. People can be left feeling that they are not taken seriously and are often not offered information and support during their recovery.

3 Who gets viral meningitis and why? Viral meningitis can affect any age group, but is most common in young children as their body s defences are not fully developed. Many different viruses can cause meningitis, and the way in which the virus is spread will depend on its type. For example, enteroviruses are carried harmlessly in the intestines of both children and adults, and carriage of these viruses helps us to build up natural immunity to infection. Spread of these viruses is common and they can be passed from person to person by coughing, sneezing and on unwashed hands. Practising good hygiene, such as washing hands after going to the toilet, will help to prevent the spread of viruses that are passed in faeces. How does viral meningitis develop? Occasionally viruses can defeat the body s defences and cause infection. If this occurs, the virus can spread through the body to the meninges and cause meningitis. The meninges become inflamed and pressure around the brain can cause nerve damage. Pressure on the brain can produce the specific symptoms associated with meningitis.

4 Signs and symptoms Many people will only experience flu-like symptoms and will never be diagnosed with viral meningitis. For others, the symptoms can be more severe and they may be hospitalised with suspected bacterial meningitis. In hospital, various tests can be carried out to confirm the type of meningitis and treatment is started accordingly. Symptoms of viral meningitis can include: Severe headache Dislike bright lights Stiff neck Vomiting Confusion and irritability Drowsy, difficult to wake Convulsions/ seizures While viral meningitis does not usually cause a rapid deterioration, if you are concerned it could be meningitis, get medical help immediately.

5 Treatment Antibiotics are not effective against viruses, although in some instances, antibiotics may be started on admission to hospital because the cause of meningitis is not known. There is no specific treatment for cases of viral meningitis. Patients need to be hydrated with fluids, given pain killers and allowed to rest in order to recover. There is no specific guidance for follow-up of viral meningitis patients. Many people face recovery alone. If a follow-up appointment is not offered we would recommend an appointment is made with your own GP. This appointment can provide the opportunity to ask questions and make them aware of what you have been through.

6 After viral meningitis The majority of people who get viral meningitis will make a good recovery with no long lasting effects. However, a number of people will be left with a variety of problems, some serious enough to cause permanent disability. While after-effects of viral meningitis are not usually as severe as those of bacterial meningitis, they can still be long-lasting. Common after-effects include: Exhaustion Headaches Memory loss Anxiety Depression Dizziness/balance problems Hearing difficulties Whatever the after-effect, mild or severe, viral meningitis can change a person s life forever. We are here to help anyone who has experienced viral meningitis, offering practical, emotional and financial support, when it s needed. We can make you a priority, we have no waiting list for our services.

7 Chloe s story Chloe contracted viral meningitis in September 2012 when she was 21. Her symptoms included drowsiness, severe headache, stomach pains, sensitivity to sound and light, a stiff neck and confusion. After spending the day in bed she was rushed to hospital around 10pm that evening. I was in hospital for five days. Once home the journey of my new life had begun. I had no idea what to expect. I didn t know about after-effects or support available until I found the Meningitis Now team. I read up on what to expect, which made my recovery a whole lot easier. I do not remember around nine months of my life during the time I was ill. I do remember though people not understanding my illness and being quite horrible. It hurt to think people who knew me didn t think there was anything wrong. In May 2013 I ran the Manchester 10k for Meningitis Now. That is probably my proudest moment to date - proving people wrong. Twelve months since meningitis I still struggled to concentrate and still had memory loss. seventeen months later I m fully recovered. I get the occasional glitch but it s nothing I haven t learnt to handle. My life has changed for the better and I appreciate life so much more. If it wasn t for my family and close friends and the Meningitis Now team I would be a different woman.

8 Be fully informed For more information about viral meningitis, its impact and how Meningitis Now is working to change lives affected by the disease, visit our website. Here are the ten most useful links: Signs and symptoms: Types and causes: Viral meningitis: After meningitis: Ways we can help: ways-we-can-help-you/ Fact sheets: view-download-order/fact-sheets/ update sign-up: news-centre/e-news-sign-up/ Support our work financially: support-us/donate/ Volunteering opportunities: Meningitis stories:

9 Our helpline team is here for you We know that facing meningitis can feel like a lonely place. With our helpline, you are not on your own. Call our specially trained staff to talk. Contact our helpline on Alternatively, us at helpline@meningitisnow.org Worried about meningitis? Our helpline cannot diagnose or give medical advice. If you suspect someone has meningitis or septicaemia, get medical help immediately. Call NHS 111 / NHS Direct (Wales) or your GP In an emergency you can: Go to your nearest accident and emergency department Or dial 999 for an ambulance Meningitis Now 2017 Registered Charity Number (England & Wales) SC (Scotland). Company Registration Number