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Glite Dictionary
herpes encephalitis

herpes encephalitis

1 6.1
A sudden brain infection by the herpes virus that causes swelling and serious illness
  • noun
  • /ˈhɜrpiːz ɛnˌsɛfəˈlaɪtɪs/
  • Specialized
translation icon : encefalitis herpética
  • Doctors often treat herpes encephalitis with antiviral medications.

Examples

  • The patient was diagnosed with herpes encephalitis last week.

  • The neurologist explained that herpes encephalitis could lead to serious complications if not treated promptly.

  • MRI scans revealed lesions in the temporal lobe typical of herpes encephalitis.

  • Prompt treatment is crucial when herpes encephalitis is suspected, to prevent severe brain damage.

  • The patient was diagnosed with herpes encephalitis after showing sudden confusion and fever.

  • After a thorough examination, the doctors diagnosed him with herpes encephalitis, which was causing his severe confusion and seizures.

  • She was hospitalized due to herpes encephalitis, resulting in inflammation of her brain and impacting her cognitive functions.

Synonyms

herpes simplex encephalitis
vsherpes encephalitis
  • Specialized
7.2

A serious brain infection caused by herpes simplex virus type 1 that makes the brain swell and causes seizures

is the more general label used for this viral brain inflammation
acute inclusion body encephalitis
vsherpes encephalitis
  • Specialized
6.8

A sudden infection by the herpes virus that damages the front and side parts of the brain

is a broader label for the same viral brain inflammation not a subtype

Surface Forms

herpes encephalitis singular
herpes encephalitides plural

Morphology

herpes + encephalitis

The compound is directly compositional: 'herpes' names the viral agent and 'encephalitis' denotes brain inflammation, so together they mean brain inflammation caused by herpes. This pathogen + disease naming pattern is common in medical terminology and across languages, so a learner who knows both constituents can reliably infer the MWE meaning.

Etymology

The name herpes encephalitis simply describes the illness: herpes refers to the virus that often causes cold sores or blisters, and encephalitis means 'brain inflammation'. So the name shows that this condition is the herpes virus causing inflammation in the brain.