Encephalitis

Question 1

What is encephalitis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the brain parenchyma

Question 2

What are risk factors for encephalitis?

Answer 2

• Age < 1 or >65
• Immunosuppressed
• Post viral infection e.g. HSV-1 most common cause for adults, EBV, Varicella

Question 3

How does encephalitis present?

Answer 3

• Fever
• Headache
• Altered mental state
• Seizures
• Vomiting
• Focal features e.g. aphasia, hemianopia

Question 4

How is encephalitis investigated?

Answer 4

• FBC, Blood smear, LFT, U+E, Cultures
• IgG, IgM antibodies
• Viral PCR
• CSF: elevated proteins, lymphocytes
• Imaging CT/MRI: Medial temporal/Inferior frontal changes but can be normal

Question 5

How is encephalitis managed?

Answer 5

• Oral aciclovir should be started ASAP
• Supportive measures