Case record...Herpes simplex encephalitis

A 40-year-old female presented with fever, seizures, altered mental status, and signs of meningeal irritation. MRI showed predominantly cortical involvement of the temporal lobes bilaterally, more on the right side, as well as insular and cingulate cortex involvement. This pattern of involvement led to a diagnosis of herpes simplex encephalitis. Herpes simplex encephalitis typically involves the medial temporal lobes, insular cortex, and cingulate cortex. The virus enters the brain through peripheral nerves and travels to these regions. Prompt diagnosis and antiviral treatment are important to manage this condition.