[Periodical EEG pattern modifications in herpetic encephalitis treated with acyclovir]

The presence of PLED or localized or lateralized periodic activity in encephalitis strongly suggests that the encephalitis is due to the herpes simplex virus. Nevertheless, there has been controversy over its clinical significance. In addition, since the introduction of antiviral drugs in the treatment of herpes encephalitis in its initial stages, the prognosis of the disease has improved. We studied nine patients all diagnosed as having herpes encephalitis and treated with acyclovir. The presence or absence of periodic activity and its characteristics were analyzed. It was seen that either there was no such activity, or if there was, it was not exactly as classically described.