A case of herpes encephalitis presenting unilateral facial palsy

Abstract

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is a rare, but lethal infectious disease characterized by inflam-mation of the brain parenchyma. The annual incidence rate is reported as one case per 250,000- 500,000 population. Patients present with various non-specific symptoms including headache, fever, decreased consciousness and many other focal neurologic deficits, which often lead to difficult and delayed diagnosis. In the absence of proper management, prognosis is very poor with a mortality rate of about 70%. Here, we discuss about a case of HSE diagnosed after brain magnetic resonance imaging scan, who initially presented with facial paralysis with hearing loss and dizziness.