Two children admitted to our service during this period were found to have influenzal encephalitis. They showed unusual computed tomography of the head, which has been described previously in two cases of influenzal encephalitis.2 3 Magnetic resonance imaging was carried out in our second case and showed striking changes. acids were also normal. Electroencephalography showed generalised slow wave activity.Computed tomography of the brain on the second day showed low attenuation changes in the thalami bilaterally (fig 1). There was some brainstem swelling with low attenuation change in the pons (fig 2). Both putamina and globus On examination he was drowsy with a temperature of 38-0°C. His optic fundi were normal, but he had nystagmus and was hypertonic with brisk deep tendon reflexes and extensor plantar responses. There was no meningeal irritation or sensory disturbance. He had a further fit and remained drowsy.Cerebrospinal fluid showed a normal protein concentration (0-3 g/l) with no increase in cells.