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IPLab:Lab 8:HSV Encephalitis

841 bytes added, 14:33, 21 August 2013
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== Clinical Summary ==
 
This 30-year-old white male experienced a generalized tonic-clonic seizure and was subsequently started on a course of Dilantin. He did well, but later developed a headache lasting over a week, which was associated with tonic-clonic seizures, fever, and--toward the end of this period--ataxia. The patient improved and returned to work, but the headache returned. A lumbar puncture was then performed which showed 22 cells/cmm (all lymphocytes), protein of 88 grams/L, and a glucose level of 49 mg/dL (with a simultaneous serum glucose of 83 mg/dL). These findings were compatible with a viral infection. Despite therapy, the patient had another seizure and again developed fever. At that time, a brain biopsy was performed which showed herpetic encephalitis. Despite aggressive antiviral therapy the patient died.
 
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