National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Mollaret meningitis

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I have had seven episodes of Mollaret meningitis and I am curious about how rare this condition is.
Mollaret meningitis is thought to be rare. However, recent research and studies have suggested that it may be more common than initially thought.[1] Because of its rarity, it is difficult to estimate the exact number of individuals affected by this condition.  In 1994, one article stated that only 50 cases of this condition had been reported in the scientific literature.[2] Another article (2010) mentioned 58 cases.[3] Likely there are other cases that have not been reported in the medical literature.
Last updated: 9/2/2016

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  1. Petrie C. Understanding Meningitis. Meningitis Foundation of America. August 7, 2016; http://musa.org/understanding-meningitis/#types.
  2. Ruben SJ. Mollaret's meningitis. Western Journal of Medicine. 1994; 160:459-462. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/8048238.
  3. Piskin IE, Yarimay G. Mollaret meningitis: a case report.. The Turkish Journal of Pediatrics. 2010; 52:306-308. http://www.turkishjournalpediatrics.org/uploads/pdf_TJP_785.pdf.