Question:

Regarding herpes encephalitis, all are true EXCEPT:

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EEG actually shows characteristic periodic temporal discharges, so that negative claim is the false one.
Updated On: Jun 24, 2026
  • Focal symptoms common
  • Temporal lobe involved
  • MRI is diagnostic
  • EEG not diagnostic
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: This is an all-except question on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) encephalitis, so we must find the FALSE statement.

Step 2: HSV-1 encephalitis characteristically involves the temporal lobes and orbitofrontal regions, so focal symptoms such as aphasia, focal seizures, and behavioral change are common. Options a and b are true.

Step 3: MRI is the most sensitive and specific imaging test, showing early temporal lobe edema and signal change, while CT is only about 50 percent sensitive and that too late. So option c (MRI is diagnostic) is true.

Step 4: The EEG in HSV-1 encephalitis is in fact very helpful and is considered supportive or diagnostic, showing periodic lateralized epileptiform discharges (PLEDs) and focal slowing over the temporal region. Therefore the statement EEG not diagnostic is FALSE, making option d the answer.
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