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Acute Viral Encephalitis: Herpesviruses and Enteroviruses

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Abstract

Acute encephalitis is a syndrome of diverse etiology, mostly viral, which varies according to the time of the year and the geographic location. Etiology remains unidentified in many cases. The current outcome of viral encephalitis remains unsatisfactory with high mortality and morbidity rates in adults and children. Worldwide, herpes simplex type 1 encephalitis is the most common cause of sporadic encephalitis. Viral encephalitis represents a medical emergency that requires prompt diagnosis and therapy and a high index of suspicion. Early initiation of antiviral therapy is crucial while diagnostic test are being performed. Supportive care should be directed at the prevention and treatment of secondary complications, including cerebral edema and epilepsy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neurology, Hospital de Galdakao-Usansolo, Barrio Labeaga S/N, Galdakao, Bizkaia, 48960, Spain

    José Luis Sánchez-Menoyo MD & Javier Ruiz-Ojeda MD

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  1. José Luis Sánchez-Menoyo MD
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  2. Javier Ruiz-Ojeda MD
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Correspondence to José Luis Sánchez-Menoyo MD .

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  1. Department of Neurology, Hospital de Galdakao-Usansolo, Galdacano, Vizcaya, Spain

    Juan Carlos García-Moncó

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Sánchez-Menoyo, J.L., Ruiz-Ojeda, J. (2014). Acute Viral Encephalitis: Herpesviruses and Enteroviruses. In: García-Moncó, J. (eds) CNS Infections. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-6401-2_5

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