Infectious Diseases Meningitis Symptoms of Aseptic Meningitis It can cause severe discomfort and neurological symptoms By Heidi Moawad, MD Heidi Moawad, MD Facebook LinkedIn Heidi Moawad is a neurologist and expert in the field of brain health and neurological disorders. Dr. Moawad regularly writes and edits health and career content for medical books and publications. Learn about our editorial process Published on August 17, 2022 Medically reviewed by Smita Patel, MD Medically reviewed by Smita Patel, MD LinkedIn Twitter Smita Patel, MD is triple board-certified in neurology, sleep medicine, and integrative medicine. Learn about our Medical Expert Board Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Frequent Symptoms Rare Symptoms Complications When to See a Provider Aseptic meningitis is inflammation of the meninges (the linings around the brain and spinal cord). It can be caused by inflammatory conditions or nonbacterial infections. The most common symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, and fatigue. Aseptic meningitis can improve on its own without long-term effects. However, seeking medical attention is important if you develop any symptoms because these nonspecific symptoms can occur with many different health issues. Less often, aseptic meningitis can cause serious problems, like seizures, a stroke, or encephalitis (inflammation involving the brain tissue). Worsening aseptic meningitis can be life-threatening. Most of the time, the signs and health consequences associated with aseptic meningitis are not as severe as those of septic meningitis (bacterial meningitis). This article will discuss the frequent and rare symptoms of aseptic meningitis, complications, and when to see a healthcare provider. Suphaporn / Getty Images Frequent Symptoms Aseptic meningitis can feel like a bad cold but often involves neck soreness or stiffness. It may begin after a viral infection, such as an upper respiratory infection or an ear infection. You may also have symptoms during or after chemotherapy or radiation treatment. The symptoms typically last for a few days and resolve on their own. However, don't wait to call your healthcare provider. Call to discuss your symptoms and ask whether you need to make an appointment. Common symptoms include: A low-grade fever below 102 degrees Fahrenheit Aching neck Headaches Photophobia (discomfort when looking at bright lights) Phonophobia (noises seem too loud and unpleasant) Decreased appetite Nausea Generalized body aches Tiredness, low energy, sleepiness Trouble concentrating You can have all or a few of these symptoms with aseptic meningitis. The fatigue or headaches can continue for a few days after most symptoms resolve. Symptoms in Infants and Toddlers Infants and toddlers with any type of meningitis may act fussy, lose appetite, vomit, have a fever, stiff neck, and be sleepy and less active than usual. Rare Symptoms Aseptic meningitis may cause severe discomfort. Sometimes the condition can last for longer than a few days, especially if it’s caused by medication-induced inflammation or if you have a weak immune system. Less common symptoms of aseptic meningitis can include: High fever Severe neck stiffness Pain with neck movementBack pain Vomiting Dehydration Facial weakness Droopy eyelid These symptoms can indicate that meningitis is worsening, and you would need to be seen promptly by a healthcare provider for evaluation and treatment. Rest assured—with treatment, you are highly likely to fully recover without lasting complications, even if you have any of these rare symptoms of aseptic meningitis. Know the Symptoms If you have risk factors, such as a weak immune system or an inflammatory disease that can cause meningitis (such as Sjögren's syndrome) it's important that you know the symptoms of aseptic meningitis so you can recognize them if you begin to develop the condition. Complications/Subgroup Indications In some situations, aseptic meningitis can worsen and can cause encephalitis, a severe ear infection, or a systemic (whole-body) infection. Anyone can have worsening meningitis, but a viral or fungal infection is more likely to progress if you have an immune deficiency, such as due to human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), AIDS, or medication-induced immune suppression). Parasitic meningitis is rare in many parts of the world, and it usually doesn’t resolve on its own. Severe inflammation due to a noninfectious cause can also persist or worsen and may lead to complications, especially if the underlying issue isn’t treated adequately. Progression of meningitis can cause: Hearing loss Seizures, which can cause changes in consciousness or involuntary movements of the body A stroke, with vision changes or weakness of one side of the face or body A brain hemorrhage (bleeding) with a severe headache and stroke symptoms Damage to the spinal cord, with weakness on one side of the body These consequences require prompt medical attention and may cause lasting effects due to brain damage, even after the inflammatory phase of meningitis or encephalitis resolves. What to Know About Telehealth for Meningitis When to See a Healthcare Provider/Go to the Hospital It’s important to contact a healthcare provider if you develop symptoms of aseptic meningitis. You might be advised to stay home and monitor your symptoms with at-home treatment, to make an appointment, or your healthcare provider may tell you to come in to be seen right away. This advice will depend on the severity of your symptoms, as well as your underlying medical conditions. For example, if you have an immune deficiency, your healthcare provider may tell you to get medical care due to the risk of a severe infection. Additionally, aseptic meningitis has many of the same symptoms as bacterial meningitis, so if there is a concern about an infection that requires antibiotics, you may be advised to go to the hospital. Get prompt medical attention if you have any of the following symptoms: A seizureWeakness on one side of the body Worsening neck or back painPain in the neck or back when you bend your knees or when you flex your neckVision changes Persistent vomiting A severe headacheWorsening dizziness or light-headedness Change in behavior or a change in consciousness Summary Aseptic meningitis is inflammation of the meninges. It causes unpleasant symptoms, such as headaches, neck pain, and feeling run down. It often resolves without any long-term problems. The symptoms of aseptic meningitis are similar to symptoms of other, more serious medical issues, like bacterial meningitis, so it’s important to contact a healthcare provider for guidance if you begin to experience any of the symptoms. Serious complications are not common but can include a stroke, seizures, and brain inflammation. A Word From Verywell After the inflammation of aseptic meningitis resolves, it can take you a while to feel fully recovered. You might have low energy or lack an appetite, but these should improve over time. Make sure you follow up with your healthcare provider as you are recovering. Worsening neck or head pain, vision changes, or weakness on one side of the body could be an indication that you have another, more serious medical problem. Get prompt medical attention if you develop any of these problems. What Are the Different Types of Meningitis? 4 Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Leuci S, Coppola N, Cantile T, Calabria E, Mihai LL, Mignogna MD. Aseptic meningitis in oral medicine: exploring the key elements for a challenging diagnosis: a review of the literature and two case reports. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022;19(7):3919. doi:10.3390/ijerph19073919 Thouvenin L, Olivier T, Banna G, Addeo A, Friedlaender A. Immune checkpoint inhibitor-induced aseptic meningitis and encephalitis: a case-series and narrative review. Ther Adv Drug Saf. 2021;12:20420986211004745. doi:10.1177/20420986211004745 Chu M, Kumar S, Sturm J. Syphilitic meningitis presenting with multiple cranial neuropathies. BMJ Case Rep. 2021;14(6):e241765. doi:10.1136/bcr-2021-241765 Landa E, Campos F, Javaid S, Vigandt E, Won J. Stroke-like symptoms as presenting signs of varicella zoster meningitis in an immunocompetent adult. Cureus. 2022;14(2):e22062. doi:10.7759/cureus.22062 By Heidi Moawad, MD Heidi Moawad is a neurologist and expert in the field of brain health and neurological disorders. Dr. Moawad regularly writes and edits health and career content for medical books and publications. See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit