According to MedlinePlus, herpes is the common name for infections caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV). HSV, says Dr. Lawrence Corey in "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," has been isolated from nearly every site on and inside the human body, including the internal organs. Though most people know that herpes produces oral and genital skin lesions, you may not be familiar with some of the more uncommon herpes symptoms.
Encephalitis
HSV accounts for 10 percent to 20 percent of all cases of viral encephalitis (inflammation fo the brain) in the United States each year--one or two cases per million people, according to Dr. Corey. The disease is most common in people between 5 and 30 years old and people older than 50. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, symptoms of HSV encephalitis include headache and fever for up to five days followed by personality and behavioral changes, seizures, partial paralysis, hallucinations and altered levels of consciousness. The disease usually results in brain damage to the frontal and temporal lobes, and may be severe. More than half of untreated cases are fatal. About 30 percent of cases develop during the initial infection with HSV. The rest are due to reactivation of previous infection.
Bell's Palsy
Bell's Palsy is made up of a constellation of symptoms that result when HSV or other viruses affect the branches of the facial nerve that supplies the mouth. These symptoms, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, include twitching, weakness or paralysis on one or both sides of the face, drooping of the eyelid and corner of the mouth, drooling, dryness of the eye or mouth, impairment of taste and excessive tearing in one eye. The exact presentation of Bell's Palsy varies for each person. Not everyone has every symptoms and the severity of each symptom varies; some people experiencing mild weakness, and others endure total paralysis. Symptoms usually peak about 48 hours after they start and are often disfiguring. In most cases, Bell's Palsy resolves without treatment, although recovery takes time. According to MedlinePlus, most people see improvements after about two weeks. Complete recovery, however, can take up to six months.
Pneumonia
HSV is an uncommon cause of pneumonia--most often seen in people with immune system problems--but also described in people who are otherwise young and healthy. According to "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," there are at least two routes by which HSV can infect the lungs. The first and most common route is through the bloodstream. In this case, other organs such as the liver, adrenal glands, intestines and pancreas are often also affected. The second route is by direct extension from the throat in people with oral herpes. HSV pneumonia usually produces severe disease, characterized by significant damage to lung tissue. Without treatment, notes "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine," more than 80 percent of patients die. Even with treatment, many patients require prolonged mechanical ventilation.
References
- Herpes Simplex Viruses (Chapter); L. Corey; In: "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine, 17th edition;" A.S. Fauci, E. Braunwald, D.L. Kasper, S.L. Hauser, D.L. Longer, J.L. Jameson and J. Loscalzo (Eds.); 2008
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Meningitis and Encephalitis Fact Sheet
- National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke: Bell's Palsy Information Page
