How is viral meningitis diagnosed?
Viral meningitis is usually diagnosed by laboratory tests of a patient’s spinal. The test can reveal whether the patient is infected with a virus or a bacterium. The exact cause of viral meningitis can sometimes be found through tests that show which virus has infected a patient; however, identifying the exact virus causing meningitis may be difficult. Because the symptoms of viral meningitis are similar to those of bacterial meningitis, which is usually more severe and can be fatal, it is important for people suspected of having meningitis to seek medical care and have their spinal fluid tested. A hospital stay may be necessary in more severe cases or for people with weak immune systems.
