Encephalitis

Question 1

What is the definition of encephalitis?

Answer 1

Acute inflammation of the brain parenchyma

Question 2

What causes encephalitis?

Answer 2

Usually viral
- HSV most common
- Others include VZV, other herpes group viruses, HHV-6, 7, enteroviruses, adenovirus

Antibody mediated
- Limbic encephalitis
- Associated with underlying malignancy or autoimmune

Question 3

What are some clinical features of encephalitis?

Answer 3

Fever
Meningism
Personality/behavioural change progressing to reduced consciousness and coma
Seizures
Focal neurological deficits (eg speech disturbance)

Question 4

What is the management of encephalitis?

Answer 4

HSV and VZV
- Immediate IV acyclovir before results are available