Herpetic encephalitis is one of the most common types of encephalitis. Most often, a dormant infection already exists in the brain. The factor leading to its activation is trauma, overheating, hypothermia or exposure to drugs.
Symptoms of herpetic encephalitis
This form of encephalitis is caused by the activity of the herpes virus . It is characterized by signs common to all encephalitis:
- convulsive syndrome;
- hyperthermia syndrome;
- impaired consciousness.
In adults, the disease is also accompanied by such manifestations:
- a sharp rise in temperature to 39 degrees;
- confusion, manifested in the change of excitation by inhibition and lethargy;
- difficulty in walking, the emergence of intentional tremor;
- seizures, epileptic seizures;
- tenderness of internal organs.
Consequences of herpetic encephalitis
In the absence of treatment, a chronic form of herpetic encephalitis may develop. In this case, intellectual disorders are observed up to dementia. In less severe cases, this stage occurs as a syndrome of chronic fatigue.
Sometimes the ailment can not leave after itself consequences, however the residual undesirable phenomena to which carry:
- dementia;
- convulsions;
- hydrocephalus, otherwise known as edema of the brain;
- decortication of the brain (complete or partial cortical death).
Treatment of herpetic encephalitis
As the development of respiratory system disorders and the emergence of dysphagia is possible, patients are hospitalized. For treatment, Acyclovir (Virollex) is prescribed, an antiviral drug. It can be used, both orally, and in the form of injections. The duration of the course is 7-12 days. To enhance the effect of prescribe immunity-enhancing agents, as well as corticosteroids, the duration of which is six to eight days.