VZV encephalitis is a viral infection of the central nervous system. Based on the duration of symptoms, VZV encephalitis may be classified into either acute or chronic. The exact pathogenesis of VZV encephalitis is not fully understood. The immune system eliminates the virus from most locations upon initial infection, but it remains latent in the dorsal root ganglion and the trigeminal ganglion near the base of the skull. VZV encephalitis may be caused by either<unk>  (chickenpox) or herpes<unk>  (shingles). VZV encephalitis must be differentiated from other diseases that cause fever, headache, vomiting, and altered mental status. The incidence of VZV encephalitis is approximately 10 per 100,000 individuals affected with<unk> , most often neonates and the elderly. If left untreated, immunocompromised patients with VZV encephalitis may progress to mortality. Common complications include shock, hypoxemia, and meningitis. Signs of VZV encephalitis include fever, headache, ataxia, and aphasia. Laboratory findings consistent with the diagnosis of VZV encephalitis include leukocytosis and pleocytosis. Magnetic resonance imaging is the imaging modality of choice for VZV encephalitis. Acyclovir is the drug of choice to treat VZV encephalitis.
Varicella zoster encephalitis
La Crosse encephalitis
Eastern equine encephalitis
Herpes simplex encephalitis
Japanese encephalitis
Western equine encephalitis
Tick-borne encephalitis
St. Louis encephalitis