Mollaret's meningitis

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Mollaret's meningitis

Mollaret's meningitis (pronunciation: mo-luh-rayz men-in-jai-tis) is a rare form of meningitis characterized by recurrent episodes of fever, headache, and neurological abnormalities. The condition is named after French neurologist Pierre Mollaret, who first described it in 1944.

Etymology

The term "Mollaret's meningitis" is derived from the name of Pierre Mollaret, a French neurologist who first described the condition. The term "meningitis" comes from the Greek words "meninx" (meaning membrane) and "-itis" (meaning inflammation), referring to the inflammation of the membranes (meninges) surrounding the brain and spinal cord.

Symptoms

The symptoms of Mollaret's meningitis include sudden onset of fever, severe headache, neck stiffness, and neurological abnormalities such as confusion, seizures, and sensory disturbances. These symptoms typically last for 2-5 days and then resolve, only to recur after weeks, months, or even years.

Causes

Mollaret's meningitis is most commonly caused by the Herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), but can also be caused by other viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and Cytomegalovirus (CMV). In some cases, the cause of the condition remains unknown.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of Mollaret's meningitis is based on the patient's clinical history and the results of a lumbar puncture, which shows characteristic changes in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). Molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can be used to detect the presence of viral DNA in the CSF.

Treatment

Treatment of Mollaret's meningitis is primarily supportive, including rest, hydration, and pain management. Antiviral medications such as acyclovir may be used in some cases.

Prognosis

The prognosis for Mollaret's meningitis is generally good, with most patients experiencing a complete recovery between episodes. However, the recurrent nature of the condition can significantly impact the patient's quality of life.

See also

External links

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