What are the other Names for this Condition? (Also known as/Synonyms)

• Benign Recurrent Aseptic Meningitis
• Benign Recurrent Lymphocytic Meningitis
• Mollaret's Meningitis

What is Mollaret Meningitis? (Definition/Background Information)

• Mollaret Meningitis is a rare type of viral meningitis that is characterized by repeated episodes of fever, stiff neck (meningismus), muscle aches, and severe headaches separated by weeks or months of no symptoms
• About half of affected individuals may also experience long-term abnormalities of the nervous system that come and go, such as seizures, double vision, abnormal reflexes, some paralysis of a cranial nerve (paresis), hallucinations, or coma.  Mollaret Meningitis is poorly understood and the exact cause remains unknown
• However, recent data suggests that herpes simplex virus (HSV-2 and, less frequently, HSV-1) may cause some, if not most cases. Other causes may include trauma and viral infections other than herpes simplex
• There is no specific treatment, so management involves supportive measures such as rest, fluids, and medicine to relieve the fever or headache

(Source: Mollaret Meningitis; Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS), USA.)

Who gets Mollaret Meningitis? (Age and Sex Distribution)

• Mollaret Meningitis is a rare viral infection that occur in individuals of all ages
• Both males and females may be affected
• Worldwide, individuals of all racial and ethnic groups may be affected

What are the Risk Factors for Mollaret Meningitis? (Predisposing Factors)

An immune-compromised state may be a risk factor for Mollaret Meningitis. The following are some conditions that may lower one’s immunity:

• Advanced age
• Auto-immune disorders
• Immune deficiency disorders, such as HIV/AIDS
• Having undergone chemotherapy or radiation therapy for conditions such as cancer
• Being on immune-suppressive drugs after a transplantation

It is important to note that having a risk factor does not mean that one will get the condition. A risk factor increases one’s chances of getting a condition compared to an individual without the risk factors. Some risk factors are more important than others.

Also, not having a risk factor does not mean that an individual will not get the condition. It is always important to discuss the effect of risk factors with your healthcare provider.

What are the Causes of Mollaret Meningitis? (Etiology)

The exact cause of Mollaret Meningitis is not known.

• Some cases of Mollaret Meningitis may be caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV)
• Viral infections other than HSV1 and HSV2 may cause the condition, in addition to trauma

What are the Signs and Symptoms of Mollaret Meningitis?

The signs and symptoms of Mollaret Meningitis are the same as those found in other types of meningitis. In Mollaret meningitis, however, the symptoms are recurring and are often accompanied by long-term irregularity of the nervous system. Common symptoms of meningitis may include:

• High fever
• Severe headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Photophobia (sensitivity to light)
• Altered mental state

(Source: Mollaret Meningitis; Genetic and Rare Disease Information Center (GARD) of National Center for Advancing Translational Science (NCATS), USA.)

How is Mollaret Meningitis Diagnosed?

Mollaret Meningitis is diagnosed on the basis of the following information:

• Complete physical examination
• Thorough medical history evaluation
• Assessment of signs and symptoms
• Laboratory tests
• Imaging studies
• Biopsy studies, if necessary

Many clinical conditions may have similar signs and symptoms. Your healthcare provider may perform additional tests to rule out other clinical conditions to arrive at a definitive diagnosis.

What are the possible Complications of Mollaret Meningitis?

The complications of Mollaret Meningitis may include:

• Partial paralysis of the cranial nerve
• Seizures
• Coma

Complications may occur with or without treatment, and in some cases, due to treatment also.

How is Mollaret Meningitis Treated?

The treatment for Mollaret Meningitis may include

• Drinking plenty of fluids
• Rest
• Over-the-counter pain medications, as necessary

How can Mollaret Meningitis be Prevented?

• At the present time, no guidelines or methods are available for the prevention of Mollaret Meningitis
• Active research is currently being performed to explore the possibilities for treatment and prevention of disorders such as Mollaret Meningitis
• Regular medical screening at periodic intervals with tests and physical examinations are recommended

What is the Prognosis of Mollaret Meningitis? (Outcomes/Resolutions)

• The prognosis of Mollaret Meningitis is dependent upon the severity of the signs and symptoms and associated complications, if any
• Individuals with mild conditions have better prognosis than those with severe symptoms and complications
• Typically, the prognosis may be assessed on a case-by-case basis

Additional and Relevant Useful Information for Mollaret Meningitis:

The following DoveMed website link is a useful resource for additional information:

http://www.dovemed.com/diseases-conditions/rare-disorders/