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Generally, herpes it is not life-threatening and has no long-term repercussions on one's general physical health. However, there is a rare condition called Encephalitis which can cause complications.

Encephalitis is a condition where the brain becomes inflamed due to a virus or other types of infections. One kind of virus that can cause encephalitis is herpes simplex type I.

Although herpes simplex type I most often causes mild symptoms like cold sores and fever blisters, it can occasionally travel to the brain and cause encephalitis.

Herpes encephalitis is very rare, affecting two cases per million among the U.S. population.

Herpes simplex I is a very common virus that causes small blisters or "cold sores" on the lips, inside the nose, in the eye, or on the eyelid. Very rarely, it is possible for the virus to move to the brain.

The virus can move from the nasal cavity up into the sinuses, and then into the brain. This can result in encephalitis. It is diagnosed by detecting HSV DNA in a spinal tap and treated with intravenous acyclovir.

The symptoms of herpes simplex encephalitis can include a sore throat, fever, headache, a stiff neck, runny nose and vomiting.

As the disease progresses, more serious symptoms such as personality changes, paralysis, hallucinations, convulsions, and coma can occur. If left untreated, herpes encephalitis can result in death.

• Technical and in depth information about Herpes encephalitis
• Herpes encephalitis brain scan pictures

If you suspect that you have herpes encephalitis, it is very important that you contact your healthcare provider immediately. Proper diagnosis and prompt treatment are necessary.

The following links will be able to assist you with more information about this serious condition:

Where to Now?

1. How is Herpes Spread?
2. Herpes Treatments
3. Herpes Signs and Symptoms
4. Genital Herpes
5. Cold Sores

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