Herpes Simplex: A Possible Cause of Brain-Stem Encephalitis

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus was isolated from the tracheal aspirate of a 10-year-old boy presenting with acute onset of multiple cranial nerve palsies and a mild right hemiparesis. There was also an elevated herpes complement-fixation titer with decrease in the following weeks. Although the criteria for diagnosis of central nervous system infection by herpes virus have been debated, we propose that this represents a case of brain-stem encephalitis due to herpes simplex infection. The importance of early diagnosis and evaluation of therapy are emphasized by this case in which the patient recovered completely.