Viral meningitis is caused most often by a virus belonging to the enterovirus group. Enterovirus infections are common, but only a small percentage of people will go on to develop this disease. Viral meningitis causes swelling of the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include high fever, stiff neck and headache. According to the CDC, viral meningitis patients typically recover completely within seven to 10 days. Long-term effects are rare, and patients with weakened immune systems are at most risk.
Insomnia
A 2006 study published in "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry" notes that sleep disturbances may occur after viral meningitis. One year after diagnosis, viral meningitis patients reported a reduction in sleep quality and stated on questionnaires that sleep was generally less restful. The study's authors note that insomnia has possible negative effects on patients' quality of life and increases the risk of accidents.
Brain Functioning
A study published in 2005 in the journal "Brain" studied 59 viral meningitis patients 1 to 12 years after recovery. The study found that compared to a group of controls, brain functioning was significantly impaired in the viral meningitis group. Viral meningitis patients performed worse than controls on tests of executive functions, which is the ability to organize and prioritize, visuo-constructive functions, such as properly copying a drawing, and overall cognitive functions. Although the problem was measurable, the impact on patients' lives was minor, and none had to change jobs because of the deficits.
Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
Chronic fatigue syndrome, or CFS, is a disorder that causes extreme tiredness. This fatigue does not improve with bed rest, and may get worse with physical or mental activity. A 1996 article published in the "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry" noted a higher incidence of CFS in patients who had a previous case of viral meningitis. Within the viral meningitis group, risk factors for developing CFS included a lengthy absence from work during the infection and a past psychiatric illness.
References
- CDC: Meningitis Questions & Answers
- "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery & Psychiatry"; Sleep Disorders are Long-term Sequelae of Both Bacterial and Viral Meningitis; H. Schmidt; April 2006
- "Brain"; Neuropsychological sequelae of bacterial and viral meningitis; H. Schmidt; 2005
- "Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery and Psychiatry"; Chronic Fatigue and Minor Psychiatric Morbidity After Viral Meningitis: A Controlled Study; M. Hotopf; May 1996
- CDC: Chronic Fatigue Syndrome
