Encephalitis

Question 1

What is encephalitis?

Answer 1

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, most commonly caused by viral infection but can also be due to autoimmune, bacterial, or other causes

Question 2

What are the classic clinical features of encephalitis?

Answer 2

Altered behaviour, cognition, or consciousness; new onset seizures; new focal neurological signs; and often a current or recent febrile illness

Question 3

What symptoms should raise suspicion for encephalitis in children?

Answer 3

Fever with altered mental status, new seizures, or new focal neurological deficits

Question 4

what is the most common causative agent in encephalitis

Answer 4

herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1

Question 5

When should aciclovir be started in suspected viral encephalitis?

Answer 5

As soon as possible, ideally within 6 hours of admission, if viral encephalitis (especially HSV or VZV) is suspected, even before confirmation

Question 6

What is the mainstay of treatment for herpes simplex or varicella zoster encephalitis?

Answer 6

IV aciclovir, usually for 2–3 weeks

Question 7

What are the initial investigations for suspected encephalitis?

Answer 7

1. MRI
2. Lumbar puncture
3. PCR for HSV and other virus

Question 8

LP CSF findings in encephalitis

Answer 8

• Increase WBC
• normal glucose
• normal or elevated protein

Question 9

How to distinguish encephalitis from meningitis in an exam?

Answer 9

Encephalitis: fever, behavioural changes, seizure
Meningitis: fever, neck stiffness, photophobia

Question 10

what are the encepahalic signs

Answer 10

confusion, seizures, focal deficits, behavior change