Herpetic encephalitis is a focal or diffuse inflammatory process that occurs in the structures of the brain and is caused by the herpes simplex virus. The disease can affect people of any age and gender, but is more common in people with weakened immunity and children in the first years of life. The incidence is 4-5 cases per 100,000 people, according to Pannochka, an Internet publication for girls and women from 14 to 35 years old.. net The causative agent of herpes simplex encephalitis is herpes simplex virus Causes and risk factors The causative agent of herpes encephalitis is herpes simplex virus. It enters the human body from patients or virus carriers by airborne droplets (more often) or contact-household (less often) by. Through the mucous membrane of the oral cavity, the virus enters the axons of the olfactory nerves, and from there - directly into the central nervous system, where it is activated, causing inflammation.

The state of the human immune system plays an important role in the pathological mechanism of the development of herpes encephalitis: weakened people are susceptible to disease. Factors that increase the risk of getting herpes encephalitis:.

age (elderly and infant);

state of immunosuppression;

the presence of any immunodeficiency conditions, both primary and secondary (including those caused by HIV infection).

Weakened immunity is the main factor that increases the risk of herpes encephalitis Forms of the disease Depending on the localization of inflammatory changes in the brain, the following forms of herpetic encephalitis are distinguished:.

polioencephalitis (gray matter structures are mainly affected);

leukoencephalitis (white matter suffers more than others);

panencephalitis (diffuse inflammation involving all cerebral structures).

The prognosis for herpes encephalitis is serious. The mortality rate is 20 to 80%.

Symptoms Herpetic encephalitis begins acutely with a sudden rapid rise in body temperature to high values \u200b\u200b(39 ° C and above). Antipyretic drugs are ineffective. Jackson-type seizures occur at the height of the fever. They can cover both specific muscle groups and the entire skeletal muscle. Consciousness disturbances of varying severity are also noted - from slight disorientation to coma.

Herpetic encephalitis begins with a rise in temperature to 39 degrees and above Other symptoms of herpetic encephalitis:.

strabismus;

visual impairment (double vision, blurred vision);

momentary hallucinations;

short-term amnesia;

excessive sweating;

lack of coordination of movements;

monoparesis;

speech disorder;

mental and (or) motor arousal.

In infants with herpes encephalitis, hydrocephalus or decortication of the brain may develop.

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