Re: Aseptic Meningitis

Posted By CCF Neurology W6 MD on December 30, 1998 at 01:03:06:

In Reply to: Aseptic Meningitis posted by Jim on December 29, 1998 at 13:27:32:






After many months of having neurological problems and being sick, I was recently diagnosed with "aseptic viral meningitis".  While many of my symptoms have gotten better, some just don't go away.  Furthermore, my energy level is poor, but has gotten better over time.
The physician told me that the symptoms from this can wax and wane so to speak from a minimum of six months from the time I first fell ill up to twelve months from the onset of my illness.  Furthermore, he stated that I may suffer permanent neurological damage, although minor in nature, from this illness.  He also wants me to try a medication called acyclovir as he said that 80% of all viral meningitis cases are caused by viruses that this medication can help supress in the body.
My question to the forum physicians is twofold.  Is the timeframe for this illness/symptoms accurate at 6 - 12 months?  Is it worthwhile trying out this acyclovir?  Thank you in advance for any help you can give me.
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Dear Jim,
1. The time frame is good for the nonviral form of aseptic meningitis (AM).
The viral form of AM usually has a shorter incubation period and usually seasonal (e.g. enterovirus incidence peaks in Aug/Sept, Mumps in late winter/spring). The non viral form include Tuberculosis, syphyllis,and fungal infection such as cryptococcosis.
2. In the vast majority of AM, cognitive changes is exeedingly rare as the inflammation or infection only affects the lining of the brain not the brain (this would be called viral encephalitis and can cause cognitive difficulties)
3. Antiviral meds in general are safe so I usually do not have reservation about it but it is not without side effects. Depending on your symptoms you need to discuss with your physician whether or not to take Acyclovir.