ABSTRACT
Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a rare disease manifestation, although herpes simplex virus (HSV) infections are ubiquitous the world over. HSV is the most common cause of nonepidemic, acute fatal encephalitis in the western world. This chapter considers the clinical manifestations of HSE in the non-compromised host and describes the diagnostic procedures. It discusses brain stem encephalitis is associated with severe neurological sequelae or death in children as well as adults, although cases with minor neurological deficits or full recovery. HSV may occasionally cause infection in the spinal cord. In these cases, HSV-2 seems to be the causal agent more often than HSV-1. Computed tomography scan and especially magnetic resonance imaging have provided a better basis for the diagnosis of HSE. Electroencephalogram (EEG) is a relatively sensitive tool for recognizing encephalitis but demonstrates a low specificity. Pathological changes in the EEG develop during the course of HSE and the pattern may fluctuate.
