Aseptic or viral meningitis is inflammation of the lining around the brain and spinal core. A virus is usually the root cause such as fungi, diseases spread by insects and other conditions that trigger it. This type of meningitis is usually not as serious as bacterial meningitis, which is life-threatening. Symptoms range from headache, neck pain, stiffness, confusion, sleepiness, fatigue, fever, sensitivity to light, muscle pain, nausea, vomiting and seizures.