neurologic disorders
Viral Meningitis
Key Points
Viral meningitis begins with symptoms typical of a viral illness, followed by headache, fever, and nuchal rigidity, but is rarely as severe as acute bacterial meningitis. Enteroviruses are the most common cause, usually causing infection during summer or early autumn. CSF findings (usually lymphocytic pleocytosis, near normal glucose, and slightly increased protein) cannot exclude acute bacterial meningitis. Treat patients for acute bacterial meningitis until that diagnosis is ruled out. Treatment is mainly supportive; patients with herpes simplex or herpes zoster meningitis may be treated withacyclovir. 