viral meningitis??

I'm 39, male 5 weeks of headache that followed a viral cold w sore throat.  
2 Ct negative, MRI negative. MRA negative.  1st Lumbar puncture showed "viral profile" 23 WBC 1 RBC protein 46 and normal glucose.  89 lymphocytes 13 monocytes.
  Done at 2 weeks.
New Lumbar puncture done yesterday shows wierd (to me) findings.
Tube 1 had 10 WBC and 3 RBC with protein 60 and normal Glucose. But "odd" 49 lymphocyetes and 51 monocytes?
Tube 4 had 3 WBC and 1 RBC protein (I guess still 60 and glucose normal not sure what tube they obtained these).
By tube 4 the differential was 87 lymphocyte 13 mono?
more in line with the 1st tap and virus correct?
Could tube one have had a little blood from the tap?  
I was told viral menigitis (meningitis) is "improving"?  Headache is not!

Questions are
1.  I supose 1st does this seem right?  the DX for LP2?  
2.  Why in the 2nd LP would protein be up if virus abating and WBC down??
3.  Have you seen cases of viral meningitis last 5 weeks (headache)  ER doc and anecdotal from friends says yes but everything I read says 7-14 days.  
anything else?  I have no fever or any other symptoms other that headache.
thank YOU!  
Brian

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Both findings continue to be consistent with aseptic - or nonbacterial - meningitis.  There can be varying degrees of glucose and protein, and the levels of these two do not correlate to the severity or recovery of the disease.

Most cases do abate after a few weeks, but there are atypical cases that can last longer.  

With a normal CT and MRI scan, then chances of a more serious disease is less likely.  If it continues, you may want to consider a neurology referral for further evaluation.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b