Diagnosis was difficult, doctors could not work out what was wrong with me! Viral meningitis became meningi-encephalitis (excuse spelling!)

[Hope05]

Viral meningitis should be taken more seriously. I ended up in hospital for 3 months, i had to learn to walk again and my recent memory was affected. With me the viral meningitis caused encephalitis. I spent a week in intensive care then a lot of time recovering. Eight years on and i still feel very lucky to be here with only a few issues (balance is not great plus numbness in pelvic area).

[NorthLeedsJohnny]

I was thought to have had meningitis when an 18 month old. At 17, I developed epilepsy, which was active until I was 44 when it seemed to end. At 61, following an unrelated operation, I wad thought to have epilepsy again. An MRI told my consultant that I had actually had herpes simplex encephalitis as a toddler! Having read your story, I do wonder whether I had both meningitis and encephalitis when very young. If so, like you, I'm fortunate to be here!! I also have balance problems and I also have impaired hearing in one ear, reduced core temperature and my memory isn't what it was! Take care.

[rbwazmotown]

I agree with you. Doctors do not know how to treat patients with viral meningitis. I just had my 3rd LP last week because the symptoms were coming back. The doctors just push the pain pills or now they gave me meds for folks who have seizures. The LP was clear and showed no sign of VM returning but I feel so crappy right now and they do not know what to do for me. They have given up including my family doctor. It will be a year for me July 6th since my diagnosis. I hope this stuff will go away one day!

[Captainbeaky]

My experience is that there isn't much the docs can actually do to make you feel better.

Through this illness, I have been working with the doc to find the nicest medication that eases the symptoms, keeps away the headache and helps me sleep.

The neurologist was good - he reccomended a tiny dose of amitriptilene, which helps keep the headaches away, and helps me sleep.

Other than that, the doc can't really help much.

My advice is to eat right - plenty of fruit and veg, cut back on processed food, and get enough rest and some good stress relieving excercise ( walking the dog, swimming etc).

Most importantly - don't overdo it - you cannot tough it out - you will get worse.

[ShaeButter]

Ditto- It took forever to be properly diagnosed (Not just meningitis but also encephalitis- trust your feelings if you think something else is going on!) with viral meningoencephalitis! and then I still had to do my own research since they didn't know much about it!