Herpes Simplex Encephalitis Questions & Answers

Updated: Jun 03, 2021
  • Author: Shaheen E Lakhan, MD, PhD, MS, MEd, FAAN; Chief Editor: Niranjan N Singh, MBBS, MD, DM, FAHS, FAANEM  more...
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Questions & Answers

Overview

What is herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What are the signs and symptoms of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What are clinical findings indicative of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

How does herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) differ in neonates?

Which findings on presentation suggest herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the role of lab testing in the diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the role of imaging studies in the diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

Which procedures are performed in the workup of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the primary treatment for herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

Which medications are used in the treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What are the supportive care options for herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

How serious is herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) with recurrent lesions or other organ system involvement?

Where can more information on herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) be obtained?

What is the pathogenesis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the disease course of untreated herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

How is brain infection transmitted in herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the prevalence of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) as a primary infection?

How does neonatal herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) occur?

What are differences between herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1) and herpes simplex virus 2 (HSV-2)?

Is socioeconomic status and etiologic factor in herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the prevalence of primary herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) in children?

When is herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) a complication of another condition?

What is the predominant pathogen in neonatal herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the incidence of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) in the US?

How does the incidence of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) vary by age?

How does herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) vary by sex?

What is the mortality rate of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the morbidity of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What are possible complications of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the prevalence of relapse following treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What education about herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) should patients receive?

Presentation

What are the signs and symptoms of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

Which physical findings suggest herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What does a finding of peripheral lesions (herpes labialis) indicate in the treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What are atypical presentations of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What are the possible sequelae of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) following treatment?

DDX

Which conditions should be included in the differential diagnoses of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What are the differential diagnoses for Herpes Simplex Encephalitis?

Workup

When should treatment be initiated for herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the role of MRI in the workup of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the role of CT scanning in the workup of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the role of EEG in the diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

When is lumbar puncture indicated in the diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

Which cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) findings indicate herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the role of brain biopsy in the diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the role of serologic analysis in the diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the role of Tzanck preparations in the diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the role of intrathecal antibodies in the diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the role of PCR in the diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

Treatment

When should a diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) be considered in the ED and how should it be managed?

What is the initial management for suspected herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

How is increased ICP treated in herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

How are seizures treated in herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

Which medications are used in treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

Which medication regimen is recommended for neonatal herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

What is the role of steroids in the treatment of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

How is herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) prevented?

Which specialist consultations are required for treating and managing herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

How are the neurologic sequelae of herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) treated?

Medications

What are the goals of drug treatment for herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE)?

Which medications in the drug class Diuretics are used in the treatment of Herpes Simplex Encephalitis?

Which medications in the drug class Anticonvulsants are used in the treatment of Herpes Simplex Encephalitis?

Which medications in the drug class Antivirals are used in the treatment of Herpes Simplex Encephalitis?