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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Why Does It Take Long To Recover From Viral Meningitis?

I had a serious case of viral meningitis and it has taken me 4 years to recover - the meningitis left me with menieres symptoms - unfortunately I have very very sore. burning, painful/tingling/socks on feeling feet/legs and hands - scans and EMG tests have ruled out nerve damage - can meningitis/menieres symptoms cause this- and why has it take me so long to recover - i am 52, five foot 2 about 9 stone - bloods and tests reveal tat I am very healthy - i eat well, cook my own food and keep salt levels low (dont use much any way)
Thu, 22 Oct 2020
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Internal Medicine Specialist,  's  Response
Hi,

I am somewhat concerned by your symptoms. Viral meningitis typically only takes about 1-2 weeks to recover from in mild cases, even more severe cases of viral meningitis the person should recover completely from in a matter of a few weeks at most. It does as though you have been left with a form of chronic neuropathy which is very unusual and sounds as though your neurologist has completed an appropriate work-up. It does sound more consistent with what is called chronic meningitis.

This occurs when the symptoms (in your case the neuropathic pain and tingling) persist past one month. I am not sure if you have had repeat Lumbar Punctures completed since the initial diagnosis of viral meningitis was made, but this would be helpful as treatment for chronic Meningitis requires a negative lumbar puncture for active pathogens and initiation of cortico-steroids and immuno-suppressives. I have seen only a few cases of chronic meningitis but typically they are responsive to the above treatments.

Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. David Girardi, Internal Medicine Specialist
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Why Does It Take Long To Recover From Viral Meningitis?

Hi, I am somewhat concerned by your symptoms. Viral meningitis typically only takes about 1-2 weeks to recover from in mild cases, even more severe cases of viral meningitis the person should recover completely from in a matter of a few weeks at most. It does as though you have been left with a form of chronic neuropathy which is very unusual and sounds as though your neurologist has completed an appropriate work-up. It does sound more consistent with what is called chronic meningitis. This occurs when the symptoms (in your case the neuropathic pain and tingling) persist past one month. I am not sure if you have had repeat Lumbar Punctures completed since the initial diagnosis of viral meningitis was made, but this would be helpful as treatment for chronic Meningitis requires a negative lumbar puncture for active pathogens and initiation of cortico-steroids and immuno-suppressives. I have seen only a few cases of chronic meningitis but typically they are responsive to the above treatments. Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. David Girardi, Internal Medicine Specialist