Encephalitis

Question 1

What are the CSF results like in encephalitis? Give me 3.

Answer 1

Raised lymphocyte count
Raised protein
Reduced glucose

Question 2

1st line investigation in encephalitis?

Answer 2

Contrast-enhanced CT scan

Question 3

Symptoms of encephalitis?

Answer 3

Altered mental state i.e confusion/drowsiness
Behavioural changes
Headache
Seizure
Fever

Infectious prodrome

Question 4

Which part of the brain is commonly affected in HSV encephalitis?

Answer 4

Anterior and medial temporal lobe

Question 5

Give 3 features of HSV encephalitis on CT head with contrast

Answer 5

Petechial haemorrhage
Hyperintensity in medial temporal lobe and inferior frontal lobe
Hyperintensity in insular cortex

Question 6

What is the EEG appearance for HSV encephalitis?

Answer 6

lateralised periodic discharges at 2 Hz

Question 7

Give 5 causes of encephalitis

Answer 7

Viral i.e HSV/CMV
Bacterial i.e TB
Fungal i.e Cryptococcosis
Limbic - associated with autoimmune disease
Autoimmune encephalitis

Question 8

Treatment for HSV encephalitis?

Answer 8

IV aciclovir