Herpes Simplex Encephalitis in a Neonate: Neuroimaging Findings

A 21-day-old male baby born of a non-consanguineous marriage presented to the casualty department with a history of high-grade, intermittent fever for one day. The baby was conscious on arrival and was further admitted under the Department of Paediatrics. The baby was delivered by normal vaginal delivery with a normal Appearance, Pulse, Grimace, Activity, and Respiration (APGAR) score of 8 and was discharged on Day 3 of life. On examination, the baby was active with normal vital parameters. After 12 hours of admission, the baby had generalised tonic clonic seizures, which were aborted with Inj. phenobarbitone loading dose of 20 mg/kg and maintenance dose of 5 mg/kg. The baby was also started on oxygen with nasal prongs at 2 L/min. The baby had two more episodes of generalised tonic clonic seizures for which Inj. levetiracetam 20 mg/kg was loaded and continued as maintenance dose.