Prognosis

Outcome in most cases of viral meningitis is generally very good. However, headache and malaise may persist for weeks in adults, particularly in cases caused by herpes simplex virus.[10][14] Long-term neurologic damage is extremely uncommon, but subtle neurodevelopmental deficits have been described in infants who have recovered from enteroviral meningitis.[64][65][66] In contrast, follow-up of children after meningitis due to enterovirus-71 has demonstrated no neurodevelopmental problems.[67][66]

Viral meningitis may recur. Enteroviral infection induces protective immunity but will not prevent infection with different serotypes. Meningitis due to HSV-2 recurs in about 20% of patients.[20] Recurrent benign lymphocytic meningitis (also known as Mollaret meningitis) is a rare condition thought to be due to viral infection.

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