A case of viral encephalitis with hyperthermia and status epilepticus: efficacy of dantrolene treatment.

A case of viral encephalitis is described. A 55-year-old female developed hyperthermia and status epilepticus. Herpes simplex virus was regarded as a factor since viral complex titres were elevated and decreased. In addition to acyclovir and anticonvulsive agents, dantrolene (150 mg/day) was administered orally through a nasogastric tube for heat stroke. Convulsions and hyperthermia gradually decreased and intravenous agents were replaced by oral agents. Dantrolene may be a useful adjuvant in hyperthermia and convulsions associated with encephalitis.