Decompressive craniectomy in herpes simplex encephalitis: a case report

ABSTRACT

Herpes Simplex Encephalitis is the commonest form of sporadic encephalitis. Availability of effective antiviral therapy viz Acyclovir has significantly reduced the mortality of Herpes Simplex Encephalitis. Elevated intracranial pressure   resulting in herniation syndromes continues to be an important cause of mortality. Antiviral therapy and medical measures for managing raised intracranial pressure including osmotic diuretics, careful usage of steroids and controlled hyperventilation continue to be the cornerstones in management of these patients. Authors present a 38-year-old male patient with Cerebrospinal fluid Meningo-encephalitic panel positivity for herpes simplex virus 1 and bilateral temporal lobe lesions with secondary decline due to impending herniation syndrome despite osmotic diuretics and steroids with patient survival and complete recovery following decompressive hemicraniectomy.