Table 1

Main presenting symptoms, signs, and investigations before treatment with acyclovir (n=42)

n (%)
Symptoms:
 Headache31  (74)
 Confusion28 (67)
 Nausea, vomiting25 (60)
 Fever21 (50)
 Seizures21 (50)
 Drowsiness19 (45)
 Anorexia12 (28)
 Abnormal behaviour10 (24)
 Lethargy10 (24)
 Cough, sore throat, coryza9 (21)
Signs:
 Fever41 (98)
 Abnormal mental state38 (90)
 Meningism23 (55)
 Hemiparesis14 (33)
 Dysphasia12 (28)
 Homonymous hemianopia9 (21)
 Minor upper motor neuron signs1-150 8 (19)
 Hemisensory signs4 (9)
Investigations:
 Abnormal CT25/38 (66)
 CSF pleocytosis38 (90)
 Increased CSF protein32 (76)
 Positive assay for HSV DNA in CSF36/36 (100)
 HSV antibody present in CSF16/21 (76)1-151
 Abnormal EEG26/28 (93)

  • ↵1-150 Extensor plantar reflex, hyperreflexia.

  • ↵1-151 CSF samples 10 days or more after the first lumbar puncture were not tested for HSV antibody in the other 21 patients.