Related Experiment Video

Updated: Apr 25, 2026

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances
10:35

Microvascular Decompression: Salient Surgical Principles and Technical Nuances

Published on: July 5, 2011

47.3K

Unusual Clinical Presentation and Role of Decompressive Craniectomy in Herpes Simplex Encephalitis

Pratibha Singhi1, Arushi Gahlot Saini2, Jitendra Kumar Sahu2

  • 1Department of Pediatrics, Unit of Pediatric Neurology and Neurodevelopment, Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India doctorpratibhasinghi@gmail.com.

Journal of Child Neurology
|August 27, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Decompressive craniectomy can be a life-saving procedure for children with severe herpes simplex encephalitis causing refractory intracranial hypertension. Early surgical decompression improves outcomes in these critical pediatric neurological cases.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Neurology
  • Neurosurgery
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Refractory intracranial hypertension in pediatric central nervous system infections is challenging.
  • Decompressive craniectomy is underutilized in this population.
  • Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) can lead to severe neurological complications.

Observation:

  • A 7-year-old boy with severe HSE experienced medically refractory intracranial hypertension.
  • Atypical, strokelike presentations of HSE in children are increasingly recognized.
  • This case highlights the potential for improved outcomes with surgical intervention.

Findings:

  • The patient underwent successful decompressive craniectomy.
  • The surgical decompression led to an improved clinical outcome.
  • Literature review supports the efficacy of decompressive craniectomy in select pediatric cases.

Implications:

  • Timely recognition and surgical decompression are crucial for managing refractory intracranial hypertension in pediatric HSE.
  • Decompressive craniectomy can be a life-saving option for severe pediatric neurological infections.
  • Awareness of atypical HSE presentations is important for prompt diagnosis and treatment.

Keywords:
decompressive craniectomyherpes simplex encephalitisintracranial hypertensionpediatric central nervous infections

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Minimally Invasive Relief for Occipital Neuralgia at the Nuchal Line04:06

Author Spotlight: Minimally Invasive Relief for Occipital Neuralgia at the Nuchal Line

Published on: September 13, 2024

4.0K
Author Spotlight: Studying Clinical Characters and Epilepsy Outcomes After Frontal Disconnection in Patients with MOGHE06:04

Author Spotlight: Studying Clinical Characters and Epilepsy Outcomes After Frontal Disconnection in Patients with MOGHE

Published on: August 16, 2024

1.8K

Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
10
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
17
Brain Abscess l: Introduction01:26

Brain Abscess l: Introduction

A brain abscess is a focal, intracerebral infection characterized by a localized collection of pus within the brain parenchyma, resulting from microbial invasion and the body’s inflammatory response. It progresses through stages: early and late cerebritis, followed by early and late capsule formation, reflecting tissue destruction, immune response, and eventual encapsulation.Etiology and PathogenesisCausative organisms vary with source and host factors, often involving polymicrobial...
12