Can Herpes Cause This???

First, I would like to thank you for providing this website which has been a wealth of support and information.
I have been having strange neurological issues lately and have had a score of tests (MRI's and blood tests).  My symptoms have been constant tingling in feet, random tingling, electric sensations down my spine, neck pain, stabbing facial pain, tingling in face and a general feeling of weakness (which have all been constant for approximately 5 months).  The only test that has been positive is the HSV 2 (herpeselect) virus.  I have never had an outbreak (except possibly herpetic whitlow in between my fingers).  My doctors think that there is a possibility that I have MS and it has not shown up on the tests yet.  I am going for a Lumbar Puncture in a month to rule that out.  
My questions:
1. Can Herpes 2 cause neurological symptoms only?
2. I have a steady boyfriend for two years so I am not sure who gave what to whom, but can you reinfect a person? (i.e., can you make it worse or infect other sites?)
3. Do you think that I should go on a course of antivirals to see if that resolves my symptoms?
4.  I had two HIV tests (about 3 and 2 years ago) which were negative and have had the same boyfriend (who does not cheat).  Do you think I should repeat the test?  I would do it, but I hate that period of waiting for the results (I invariably convince myself I have the virus while waiting)>
Thank you again for your attention and your patience.
PenelopeC

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

1. HSV-2 probably can cause localized neurological symptoms, such as localized tingling (near the area where an outbreak is about to occur) or perhaps shooting pains or discomfort in a leg or the back.  But not the generlized symptoms you describe.

2. You are infected with HSV-2, and the infection almost certainly is in the genital area.  You probably are able to transmit the virus sexually if it happens to be active when you have intercourse.  But whether your boyfriend is at risk depends on whether or not he already is infected.  The odds are at least 50:50 that he already has the infection; if not infected before your relaionship, there is a good bet he has acquired it from you.  He should have an HSV-2 HerpeSelectt test.  If it is positive, you have no concerns about transmission; if negative, you can then take precautions to prevent it.

3. For the reasons above, an antiviral almost certainly would not help your symptoms.  On the other hand, valacyclovir and the other antiherpetic drugs have virtually no side effects and it wouldn't hurt anything.  You should discuss this directly with your doctor.

4. Nothing in your symptoms suggests HIV and you clearly are at low risk.  If you are in doubt about that risk, though, you could be retested.

Good luck--  HHH, MD