Disorders of the Neurological System Practice Test

HSV encephalitis is a medical emergency, and time matters. Starting intravenous acyclovir right away, as soon as HSV encephalitis is suspected, targets the likely cause and significantly improves survival and neurological outcomes. Delaying therapy for PCR confirmation can allow the disease to progress, increasing morbidity and mortality. Corticosteroids aren’t the standard initial treatment here and antibiotics alone won’t address the viral infection. So the best initial step is to begin IV acyclovir immediately while you pursue diagnostic confirmation with imaging and CSF testing.