The neuro-ICU deals primarily with acute viral encephalitis. In the United States the most commoncause of acute viral encephalitis is the herpes simplex virus. There are approximately 20,000 cases of encephalitis in America each year. In adults, Herpes Simplex Encephalitis is caused by HSV-1, which gains access to the brain by traveling backwards along facial sensory nerves which have been infected. Herpes Simplex Encephalitis is clinically characterized by headaches and fever in its early stages.
Seizures are commonly present in the early stages of the disease.
Antiviral therapy is critical to effect a favorable prognosis for Herpes Simplex Encephalitis. Delayed treatment, an age of the patient over 30, and coma are all associated with a poorer prognosis. Diagnosis of this disease is particularly difficult. It is estimated that only half of the patients suspected to have Herpes Simplex Encephalitis actually have the disorder. Herpes Simplex Encephalitis can be confused with bacterial infections, tumors, vascular disease, and other viral infections.