Posted By CCF Neuro MD on May 29, 1997 at 15:59:46:
In Reply to: Mollaret's Meningitis posted by Cheree Steward on May 22, 1997 at 11:41:35:
: A relative has been diagnosed with Mollaret's Meningitis.He is being treated with Acycloviv. The doctor's say he won't be able to work for six months to a year, and there is no guarantee of success. We can't find any information on this disesase. What is it? Why is the prognosis so poor?
Mollaret Meningitis is
recurrentRecurrent cystitis bouts of
benignBenign ear cyst or tumor
Benign positional vertigo aseptic (not due to a bacteria) meningitis in which the etiology has not been identified. However, there has been associated with viruses, especially herpes simplex virus type 1. Symptoms of meningitis including headache,
feverAllergic rhinitis
Coccidioidomycosis
Febrile seizures
Fever
Fever blister
Fever blisters and canker sores
Herpes labialis (oral herpes simplex)
Histoplasmosis
Malaria
Rheumatic fever
Scarlet fever,
neckCervical spondylosis
Head and neck glands
Herpes zoster (shingles) on the neck and cheek
Irritated seborrheic kerotosis - neck
Lymph tissue in the head and neck.
Melanoma - neck
Neck lump
Neck pain
Neck pulse
Neck x-ray
Oral cancer stiffness, light sensitivity, muscle aches and fatigue. The condition can last several years, up to 5 with an average of 5 attacks which lasts for a few days. Typically the patient is ok between attacks. The spinal fluid may contain white blood cells and so-called endothelial cells (probably a monocyte- type of white blood cell) which are unique to Mollaret's meningitis. The
recoveryRecovery position - series of herpes virus in some prior studies has
leadLead poisoning to using acyclovir as a treatment. There is little else that can be done except treat the patient for their symptoms during the attacks. The prognosis is generally good. However, there are people that do not do as well and take longer to recover from recurrent attacks, without obtaining a full recovery. The duration may be longer than the average of 3-5 years. Hopefully, your relative will recover quickly.
If you ever want to seek an evaluation at the Cleveland Clinic for a second opinion call 1-800-223-2273 ext 45559 or 216-444-5559.