Early diagnosis and effective drug treatment essential for optimal management of acute viral infections of the CNS.

Effective management of acute viral infections of the CNS has improved substantially recently, with the use of sensitive diagnostic methods and the availability of effective drug therapies. Best evidence exists for the use of aciclovir (acyclovir) in the treatment of herpesvirus infections; certain other antiviral drugs may be useful treatment options for viral CNS infections. Despite advances in the management of viral CNS infections, there remains a need for new and better therapies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]