(herpes simplex encephalitis) Infection of the brain parenchyma with herpes simplex virus, resulting in inflammation of the brain parenchyma with neurologic dysfunction.

(herpes simplex encephalitis) A serious viral disorder characterized by infection of the brain by herpes simplex virus type 1 or 2. Herpes simplex virus type 1 affects adults, whereas herpes simplex virus type 2 affects newborns. Signs and symptoms include fever, headaches, vomiting, seizures and psychiatric manifestations.

(encephalitis, herpes simplex) An acute (or rarely chronic) inflammatory process of the brain caused by SIMPLEXVIRUS infections which may be fatal. The majority of infections are caused by human herpesvirus 1 (HERPESVIRUS 1, HUMAN) and less often by human herpesvirus 2 (HERPESVIRUS 2, HUMAN). Clinical manifestations include FEVER; HEADACHE; SEIZURES; HALLUCINATIONS; behavioral alterations; APHASIA; hemiparesis; and COMA. Pathologically, the condition is marked by a hemorrhagic necrosis involving the medial and inferior TEMPORAL LOBE and orbital regions of the FRONTAL LOBE. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp751-4)

Despite advances in antiviral therapy over the past 2 decades, herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) remains a serious illness with significant risks of morbidity and death. Herpes simplex encephalitis occurs as 2 distinct entities: In children older than 3 months and in adults, HSE is usually localized to the temporal and frontal lobes and...

Herpes simplex encephalitis is a rare neurological condition that is characterized by inflammation of the brain (encephalitis). People affected by this condition may experience a headache and fever for up to 5 days, followed by personality and behavioral changes; seizures; hallucinations; and altered levels of consciousness. Without...