Aseptic meningoencephalitis in adults: liberal or restrictive treatment?

39 adult patients suffering from aseptic meningoencephalitis were admitted to hospital during April-December 1976 and were divided into 2 groups, according to birth date. One group (n = 24) was treated with bed rest in the febrile stage and recommended to avoid for some weeks activities that promote headache. The other group (n = 15) was encouraged to resume daily life as soon as possible. No pertinent difference was found between the groups in admission. The patients were followed for 9 months by questionnaires and registration of sick leave. The average number of days away from work was 32 in the "restrictive" and 15 in the "liberal" group. No untoward effects were found from a shorter sick leave and a rapid resumption of normal physical activity.