In developing guidelines for the improved management of herpesvirus infections of the central nervous system (CNS), the International Herpes Management Forum (IHMF) has considered human herpesvirus (HHV) type 6 and type 7 disease. Although HHV-6 is generally asymptomatic, it has been associated with exanthema subitum, febrile convulsions and encephalitis in infants and immunocompromised adults and may play a role in multiple sclerosis, Guillain-Barre syndrome and acute disseminated encephalomyelitis. As HHV-6 is present in the brain tissue of healthy individuals, its role as an aetiological agent in CNS disorders is unclear. While polymerase chain reaction (PCR) is a method useful for diagnosis of other viral CNS infections, it has no value for diagnosing HHV-6. HHV-7 has not been shown to cause a specific disease but is associated with febrile convulsions and has been implicated as a cause of encephalitis. Ganciclovir and foscarnet, either alone or in combination, may be used for the management of HHV-6-related neurological disease. Although ganciclovir is unlikely to be effective against HHV-7-related CNS disease, foscarnet may be useful but prospective trials are needed.