Brainstem encephalitis due to herpes simplex causing permanent external ophthalmoplegia

Abstract

Only single case reports describe pure brainstem encephalitis due to herpes simplex. These may serve as a clinical support to the recently published data suggesting that the virus may reach the brainstem via the trigeminal ganglion and then spread to the limbic structures. External ophthalmoplegia is a rare clinical presentation of classical brainstem encephalitis and is usually transient. We report on a patient in whom permanent external ophthalmoplegia was caused by herpetic brainstem encephalitis.

Key Words:

• herpes simplex
• brainstem encephalitis
• external ophthalmoplegia
• trigeminal ganglion
• facial palsy