Recurrent herpes simplex virus encephalitis secondary to carbamazepine induced hypogammaglobulinaemia.

摘要

Herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE) is frequently complicated by seizures. Immunosuppression is a recognised side effect of anticonvulsant therapy. We present a case of recurrent HSE where host immunocompetence was impaired because of hypogammaglobulinaemia, most likely induced by carbamazepine therapy.A 40-year-old man presented to his local hospital with a 5 day history of rigors, nausea, vomiting and photophobia. He reported formed visual hallucinations and his wife complained that over the preceding week he had been uncharacteristically short tempered. A tonic-clonic seizure was witnessed in the accident and emergency department.