How is herpetic encephalitis treated?

Treatment with the antiviral drug Zovirax (acyclovir) has resulted in a dramatic improvement of symptoms in most individuals with herpes simplex encephalitis. It is manufactured by GlaxoSmithKline. Another antiviral drug that has been used to treat herpes simplex encephalitis is vidarabine.

How long should I take acyclovir for encephalitis?

For the patient with confirmed HSV encephalitis the correct dose was given for two weeks. Most authorities now consider that aciclovir should be given for 14 to 21 days because of the risk of relapse.

Can acyclovir cure encephalitis?

Aciclovir is effective against encephalitis due to HSV-1, HSV-2, and VZV. Doses of aciclovir in VZV encephalitis are similar to HSE. It has become a common medical practice to initiate aciclovir treatment in every patient with suspected acute infective encephalitis.

How is viral encephalopathy treated?

Treatment for viral encephalitis

  1. hospitalisation.
  2. antiviral medication, given intravenously, if the virus is known to be susceptible to treatment with antiviral medication (such as the herpes simplex virus)
  3. intravenous administration of medications to help reduce brain swelling.
  4. pain-relieving medication.

What causes HSV-1 encephalitis?

HSE is a type of infectious encephalitis which happens when herpes simplex virus (HSV) enters the brain. HSV can be of two types: HSV1 and HSV2. HSV1 is mainly associated with infections of mouth and throat early in life often without symptoms, but lately, it has also been associated with genital herpes.

How long does encephalitis last?

How Long Does Encephalitis Last? Most of the time, the acute phase of the illness (when symptoms are the most severe) lasts up to a week. Full recovery can take longer, often several weeks or months.

What does acyclovir do to your brain?

Geriatric. Agitation, confusion, dizziness, and drowsiness may be especially likely to occur in elderly patients who are usually more sensitive than younger adults to the central nervous system effects of acyclovir.

Can viral encephalitis be cured?

If a cause of encephalitis is found, treatment will start straight away. Possible treatments include: antiviral medicine – used if encephalitis is caused by the herpes simplex or chickenpox viruses; it’s usually given into a vein three times a day for 2 to 3 weeks.

Is viral encephalitis curable?

Herpes simplex encephalitis is the only type of viral encephalitis that is treatable. Due to its severity, treatment with acyclovir is administered promptly if suspicion for herpes simplex encephalitis is raised, even while awaiting diagnostic procedures.

When should I suspect HSV encephalitis?

Fever, consciousness disorders, disorientation, behavioral disorders, language disorders, seizures or status epilepticus, and focal neurologic deficit constitute the typical signs and symptoms of HSV encephalitis [7].