neurologic disorders
Viral Meningitis
Introduction
Viral meningitis tends to be less severe than acute bacterial meningitis. Findings include headache, fever, and nuchal rigidity. Diagnosis is by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis. Treatment is with supportive measures,acyclovirfor suspected herpes simplex, and antiretroviral drugs for suspected HIV infection. (See also Overview of Meningitis .) Viral meningitis is sometimes used synonymously with aseptic meningitis. However, aseptic meningitis usually refers to acute meningitis caused by anything other than the bacteria that typically cause acute bacterial meningitis. Thus, aseptic meningitis can be caused by viruses, noninfectious conditions (eg, drugs, disorders), fungi, or, occasionally, other organisms (eg,Borrelia burgdorferiin Lyme disease,Treponema pallidumin syphilis). Unlike bacterial meningitis, viral meningitis usually spares the brain parenchyma. (Parenchyma is affected in viral encephalitis or meningoencephalitis.) 