Encephalitis Flashcards
1
Q
What is encephalitis?
A
Acute inflammation of the brain parenchyma usually due to viral infection
2
Q
Causes of encephalitis?
A
- Loads of causative viruses
- Measles
- Mumps
- Rubella
- Varicella zoster
- Enterovirus
- Adenovirus
3
Q
Most common cause in UK of encephalitis?
A
Herpes simplex virus
4
Q
Presnetation of encephalitis?
A
- Insidious onset
- Personality and behavioural changes
- Confusion and speech disturbance
- Reduced consciousness
- Coma
- Focal neurological deficits
- Seizures
5
Q
Investigations for encephalitis?
A
- MRI
- EEG
- CSF
- Viral detection by CSF PCR can detect HSV or VZV
6
Q
What MRI shows in encephalitis?
A
Areas of inflammation and swelling (bright areas)
Raised ICP
Midline shift may occur
7
Q
What does an EEG of encephalitis?
A
Periodic sharp and slow wave complexes
8
Q
CSF shows what in encephalitis?
A
Elevated lymphocyte count
9
Q
Management of suspected VZV or HSV encephalitis?
A
Treated immediately with IV acyclovir even before investigation results are available
10
Q
Long term complication of encephalitis?
A
Include:
- Memory impairment
- personality change
- Epilepsy
11
Q
What is meningo-encephalitis?
A
Inflammation of both brain parenchyma and the meninges
