Viral meningitis is the inflammation of the meninges surrounding your brain and spinal cord due to a viral infection. The meninges are membranous coverings of the brain that protect the brain and spinal cord and keep cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) from leaking out of the skull or spinal column. According to the Mayo Clinic, symptoms of meningtitis include headache, fever and stiff neck. Most cases of meningitis are caused by viruses, which tend to be less serious than bacterial infections. Seek immediate medical attention if you suspect that you or someone you know has meningitis. Prompt treatment will reduce symptoms and decrease the risk for serious complications.
Hearing Loss
According to the Mayo Clinic, hearing loss is a possible complication of a viral meningitis infection. This infection can damage the sensory nerve cells that aid in hearing. Do not hesitate to seek medical treatment if you notice hearing loss or an unusual ringing in your ears. This complication is most common in children who have delayed treatment for meningitits, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Brain Damage
Medline Plus states that brain damage is also a possible complication of viral meningitis. Untreated meningitis can cause blindness, loss of speech, learning disabilities, behavior problems and paralysis, according to the Mayo Clinic. This occurs because the inflamed meninges can damage nerve cells in the brain or spinal cord and lead to these serious deficits. Do not hesitate to seek immediate medical treatment for meningitis to avoid brain damage.
Hydrocephalus
Hydrocephalus is a possible complication of viral meningitis, according to Medline Plus. Hydrocephalus is the backing up of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain and spinal cord caused by a block in absorption or flow. This backup in pressure can cause the brain to push against the skull and cause damage of brain tissues. This occurs in viral meningitis because the inflamed meninges can block the flow of cerebrospinal fluid. Symptoms of hydrocephalus include eyes that gaze downward, irritability, seizure, sleepiness, vomiting, personality changes and headache. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these symptoms following a viral meningitis infection.
