Recurrent menningitis(meningitis), mollarets, help in preventing reocurrences.

[A-Smith]

  I have had viral meningitis 9 or 10 times in the last twenty years.The first time I was a graduate student studing insect transmitted plant mycoplasmas.Since that time I have had reocurrences approximately every 2-3 years.If I had health insurance when the attack came on , I was hospitalized, put on antibiotic I.V. for about 1 week, and had about 3-4 weeks of bed rest and recovered.  The symptoms have always been , terrible spinal headache, fever, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, general muscle stiffness.The last attack, I was hospitalized, and treated with acyclovir and diagnosed with Mollaret's.  It was suggested by the attending nuerologist that I seek further advice from a university or clinic(such as U of Miami, Cleveland Clinic, Mayo  Clinic or U of Fla. since I live in Florida) Since investigating on the internet, it appears that herpes type 2 also  plays a roll in this. ( I got HSII 4 years prior to the first occurence.)  The last infectious disease specialist I went to told me that I have a text book case of Mollaret's and there is nothing that can be done.  I do not believe this!  Certainty , ther must be more information.  Does the immune system play a role in this? Can the immune system be strengthened? How can this be achieved?  Does diet play a role also?  What about stress?  Is there any clinic or doctors working on this now?  I have not had symptoms of a HSII occurence for more than 10+ years, would a regiment of acyclovir be prudent?  However doesn't this cause liver damage? PLEASE RESPOND, ANY INFORMATION WILL BE MOST APPRECIATED!
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Thanks for your question.  It appears you have already learned a great
deal about Mollaret's through the differents sites in the Web, so I will
not belabor the points about clinical features and diagnosis.  And it is
indeed reported to have positive serology of Herpes Simplex II in a number
of patients.  Unfortunately, an extensive literature survey over the last
15 years did not reveal any compelling/convincing treatment for this
disorder.  For instance, two separate case reports (in 1980, and 1984)
profess success and failure using colchicine.  It is not clear whether
acyclovir would be of significant help.
I hope this information is helpful.
This information is provided for general medical education purposes only.
Please consult your doctor regarding diagnostic and treatment options.