Value of the electroencephalogram in viral encephalitis

Abstract

Acute viral encephalitis is more common in children (more than 16 cases X 100 000 patients per year) than in adults (3.5-7.4 cases X 100 000 patients per year). Herpetic encephalitis is the most frequent viral encephalitis. The cause is herpes simplex virus type I in adults and type II in neonates. Therefore, if viral encephalitis is suspected, it will be treated as if it were a herpetic one until it is proven otherwise.2