Coping With Meningitis

We are in ICU step down with our family member who has had meningitis for over 10 days. Begain with migraines and quickly escalated to this point. 1 week ago, he was not expected to live.

Following spinal tap and steroids, he is still critical but stable in supportive care–feeding tube because can’t sit up long enough to eat due to dizziness and vomiting, severe chronic pain head and neck concentrated on right side of both w/ pain to touch and swallowing, heavy pain meds, photophobia, double vision, typical meningioencephalitis symptoms; the doctors have ruled out every form of viral, bacterial, fungal and parasitic menengioencephalitis they can with help from Mayo (we are in Springfield, MO).

37% atypical/unidentified cells in CSF, but ruled out leukemia today. All MRIs and CTs negative. Next step is brain biopsy to attempt to target the cause. Docs say next step is to look for non-infectious causes. I have never heard so many “i don’t knows” in my life. Our “patient” has no other pathologies or underlying disease. Had cancer over 20 years ago (chemo/radiation) and has never had a recurrence. Otherwise healthy, active 44. y.o.

Does anybody have any information or suggestions for us?????????????????????????????? Who is the best of the best in this field? How long can a body survive at this level of pain and on so many meds for support?