Postencephalitic amnesia with long term-working memory impairment: A case report

Abstract

Herpes simplex virus encephalitis (HSVE) is an inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by virus, leading to focal necrosis in medial temporal lobes, hippocampal complex and basal forebrain. Cognitively, HSVE is associated to many dysfunctions which vary according to the extent of the lesion. Episodic memory impairment is the most common sequelae following HSVE episodes, although others can occur. The aim of this case report was to describe the cognitive profile of a 42 year-old man who had extensive bilateral damage to the medial temporal lobe, insular bilateral and orbitofrontal cortices due to HSVE. Severe anterograde and retrograde amnesia, naming deficits, perseverative behaviors and confabulations were observed on neuropsychological assessment. We discussed the concept of long term-working memory based on this evaluation. These cognitive impairments corroborated HSVE previous findings in the literature.

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“…RA may affect recent and remote memories alike, and sometimes has been described as affecting both semantic memory and autobiographical, episodic memory. Post-encephalitic amnesic syndrome has been described in herpes virus encephalitis, at times with profound memory impairment; our patient suffered a well documented, short lasting episode of bilateral fronto-temporal epileptic encephalopathy, and might have undergone a similar pathogenetic damage as in viral encephalitis [8][9][10].…”