HSV encephalitis: is the insight of the clinician still crucial for the outcome?

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis is an acute infection of the Central Nervous System (CNS). During the last two decades its incidence has a ten-fold increase, while mortality rate exceeds 70%, if left undiagnosed and thus untreated. Clinical manifestations, imaging studies, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis and electroencephalogram (EEG) are the basis of diagnostic approach. Even when CSF analysis seems normal, imaging studies are not specific and HSV polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test is negative, the clinician should be more aggressive, if clinical presentation is indicative for HSV encephalitis, by administrating acyclovir early after patient's admission. The aim of this short review article, after systematic research of the relevant up to date literature, is to emphasize the insight of the clinician as for the early diagnosis and the prompt therapeutic intervention, which are crucial for the outcome and vital for the affected patient.