How does a person get herpes encephalitis?
Encephalitis is caused by the herpes simplex virus. Most are caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV1), the virus that also causes cold sores. The disease may also be caused by herpes virus type 2 (HSV2). This virus can be spread by sexual contact or from an infected mother to her baby during childbirth.
How do you know if you have herpes encephalitis?
Signs & Symptoms Symptoms associated with herpes simplex encephalitis usually develop over several days, often without warning. Early symptoms include headaches, fevers, and seizures. Additional symptoms include drowsiness with general weakness (stupor), and confusion or disorientation.
What is the prognosis of herpes simplex encephalitis?
Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a rare but severe condition. In the absence of treatment, prognosis is extremely poor, with a mortality rate of about 70 % [1].
How is herpes encephalitis treated?
Empirical Treatment of Encephalitis Intravenous aciclovir 10 mg/kg q8h for 14–21 days should, therefore, be initiated promptly and the diagnostic evaluation should never delay antimicrobial therapy in patients with encephalitis [43].
What are the long term effects of herpes encephalitis?
Twenty nine of the 34 survivors were assessed six months to 11 years after herpes simplex encephalitis. The most common long term symptoms were memory impairment (69%), personality and behavioural abnormalities (45%), and epilepsy (24%).
Can encephalitis cause permanent brain damage?
Viral encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain caused by a virus. The most serious potential complication is permanent brain damage.
What is the survival rate of encephalitis?
The mortality rate varies but can be up to 40% depending on a number of factors including the cause of the encephalitis, an individual’s underlying health and the treatment given.
What is herpetic encephalitis?
HSE is a type of infectious encephalitis which happens when herpes simplex virus (HSV) enters the brain. HSV can be of two types: HSV1 and HSV2. HSV1 is mainly associated with infections of mouth and throat early in life often without symptoms, but lately, it has also been associated with genital herpes.