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Updated: May 10, 2026
12:22
A Primary Neuron Culture System for the Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Latency and Reactivation
Published on: April 2, 2012
Herpes simplex virus meningitis complicated by ascending paralysis.
Mina M Benjamin1, Kyle L Gummelt, Rabeea Zaki
1Department of Internal Medicine (Benjamin, Gummelt, Zaki [extern], Afzal), Divisions of Infectious Diseases (Sloan) and Neurology (Shamim), Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas.
Proceedings (Baylor University. Medical Center)
|July 2, 2013
Summary
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) meningitis can cause ascending paralysis. Prompt antiviral treatment led to significant recovery, highlighting the need to consider HSV neuropathy in acute neurological cases.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Virology
Background:
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV) is a common cause of viral meningitis.
- Neurological complications of HSV meningitis, such as ascending paralysis, are rare but severe.
- Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for favorable outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of HSV meningitis with ascending paralysis.
- To emphasize the importance of considering HSV-induced neuropathy in the differential diagnosis of acute neurological symptoms.
- To highlight the effectiveness of antiviral treatment in such cases.
Main Methods:
- Case report detailing a patient with HSV meningitis and ascending paralysis.
- Review of clinical presentation, diagnostic findings, and treatment course.
- Discussion of the diagnostic challenges and therapeutic implications.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with symptoms of meningitis and subsequent ascending paralysis.
- Antiviral therapy was initiated for HSV meningitis.
- The patient experienced almost complete recovery following treatment.
Conclusions:
- HSV meningitis can present with unusual neurological complications like ascending paralysis.
- HSV-induced neuropathy should be included in the differential diagnosis of acute neurological syndromes.
- Antiviral treatment is effective in managing HSV-related neurological complications.
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