Difficulties in early diagnosis of Herpes simplex encephalitis

Herpes simplex virus infection of the central nervous system is still a significant cause of morbidity and often mortality at relatively young people. Changes of central nervous system are results of primary infection or activation of latent HSV-1, HSV-2. Neurological deficits often follow encephalitis herpetica. CT, MRI and SPECT are usefull tools in early recognition of herpes encephalitis. The aplication of PCR is prompt and specific diagnosis of herpes simplex virus infections of the brain. Advances in treatment Herpes simplex encephalitis with acyclovir have improved outcome.