Infection- Encephalitis

Question 1

what is it?

Answer 1

infection of brain parenchyma

Question 2

Aetiology?

Answer 2

• Mainly viral
  
  • HSV
  • CMV, EBV, VZV

Question 3

Presentation?

Answer 3

• viral prodromal symptoms - fever, rash etc
• altered mental state
  
  • personality change, confusion, reduced consciousness
• seizures
• headache
• focal neurological symptoms

Question 4

Ix?

Answer 4

• Bloods
  
  • cultures
  • viral PCR
  • FBC, U&E
• LP
  
  • HSV PCR
  • cell count, protein, glucose, opening pressure
• EEG
• MRI

Question 5

results of LP

Answer 5

• markedly raised opening pressure
• rest as viral meningitis

Question 6

Mx

Answer 6

• Aciclovir
• plus supportive care

Question 7

Prognosis

Answer 7

• fatal if untreated, causes death in 7-10days
• neurological sequelae