Neurological outcome after a severe herpes simplex encephalitis treated with acyclovir and beta-interferon. Time course of intracranial pressure.

A severe herpes simplex encephalitis with documented intra-cerebral lesions and brain edema was treated successfully with acyclovir and beta-interferon. The increase in intracranial pressure during the second week was well controlled by ICP monitoring. Life-threatening pressure peaks were avoided through the use of thiopental, osmodiuretics, TRIS, and lidocaine.