An infant is described who developed operculum syndrome during an acute encephalitic illness. Presenting symptoms were cortical pseudobulbar palsy and focal seizures of facial origin. Persistent mutism--with normal language comprehension and orofacial motor disturbance--were the main neurological sequelae. Similarities between this case and other permanent or transient causes of cortical pseudobulbar palsy are discussed, as well as the possible relationship with certain types of childhood language disorders.