Herpes simplex encephalitis: Difference between revisions

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== Management ==
 
== Management ==
   
* Acyclovir 10mg/kg q8h IV for 14 days
+
* [[Acyclovir]] 10mg/kg q8h IV for 14 days
 
** Adjust for renal function
 
** Adjust for renal function
   

Revision as of 17:18, 17 August 2019

  • Infection of the brain parenchyma by HSV, with a predilection for temporal lobes

Presentation

  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Altered level of consciousness
    • Personality and behavioural changes
  • Focal neuro deficits
  • Seizures
  • Rapidly progressing and can lead to coma

Investigations

  • Imaging
    • CT head usually normal
    • MRI head can show T2 signal change in temporal lobes
  • Lumbar puncture
    • Elevated protein
    • Lymphocytosis (10-1000 WBCs)
    • Erythrocytes in 80% of cases ("hemorrhagic necrotizing meningoencephalitis")
    • Normal or slightly low glucose
    • HSV PCR is confirmatory
  • EEG
    • Spikes and slow waves over involved areas
    • Periodic lateralized epiieptiform discharges (PLEDs)
    • Usually predominately over involved termporal lobe

Management

  • Acyclovir 10mg/kg q8h IV for 14 days
    • Adjust for renal function