A distinctive clinical EEG profile in herpes simplex encephalitis

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Virology
• Neurophysiology

Background:

• Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a severe neurological condition.
• Rapid diagnosis and treatment are crucial for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe the electroencephalographic (EEG) findings in two patients with confirmed herpes simplex encephalitis.
• To evaluate the diagnostic utility of EEG patterns in acute HSE.

Main Methods:

• Case study of two patients diagnosed with HSE.
• Analysis of electroencephalogram (EEG) recordings, focusing on characteristic patterns.
• Correlation of EEG findings with clinical presentation and neurological progression.

Main Results:

• Both patients presented with acute febrile illness, seizures, and rapid neurological decline.
• EEG showed widespread, periodic, bilateral sharp-and-slow-wave complexes.
• Transient unilateral electrographic seizure activity was observed, suppressing periodic activity on the affected side.

Conclusions:

• The described EEG patterns, characterized by periodic complexes and seizure activity, are highly suggestive of HSE.
• While not pathognomonic, these EEG findings are valuable in the context of an acute encephalitic process.
• Early recognition of these EEG signatures can aid in the timely diagnosis of HSE.