Herpes encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain which is caused by a herpes virus. This infection can be either be primary where the virus infects the brain and spinal cord directly or secondary where the infection travels from somewhere else in the body to the brain.
According to the University of Maryland Medical Center website, most cases of encephalitis are mild; however, some cases can be very serious and possibly life-threatening. The very serious cases of herpes encephalitis can have long-lasting after effects that may take months--maybe years--to fully resolve if they ever do.
Personality Changes
Damage to the frontal lobes of the brain from the infection and inflammation can cause sudden personality changes during the encephalitis infection; the frontal lobes control personality. The personality problems may continue for months after herpes encephalitis depending on the amount of damage according to the Mayo Clinic. The personality changes that may occur in a child after herpes encephalitis may cause challenges within the family because the child may appear to be a different person than he was originally, as noted on the McCam Child Development Centre website.
Weakness
Severe encephalitis infections can cause muscle weakness on one side or other of the body. Even after the resolution of the infection, the weakness in the body may remain, according to the Summit Medical Group website. Patients with muscle weakness may need some physical therapy to recover previous mobility.
Fatigue
Fatigue may be a long-lasting problem after herpes encephalitis according to the Mayo Clinic. This problem can be noticeable in children who have had herpes encephalitis as well; these children may have difficulties at school during physical education and in class, as noted on the McCam Child Development Centre website.
Gait Problems
Problems with gait or balance can persist for months or years after an episode of severe herpes encephalitis. According to the Summit Medical Center website, the patient may need therapy to improve any issues. In children, these problems can carry over to school and may require some adjustment from the parents or teachers so that the child can still have an opportunity to participate in class activities.
Memory Difficulties
According to the Mayo Clinic, memory loss or difficulties may be a permanent effect after herpes encephalitis. As noted on the McCam Child Development Centre website, memory problems may cause the child to struggle at school and at home. For any person with memory problems after encephalitis, adjustments will need to be made in order for that person to be successful in school, work or in everyday life.
