Encephalitis Flashcards
What is encephalitis?
Inflammation of the “encephalon” (or brain parenchyma).
What is the brain parenchyma?
The functional tissue in the brain (the brain)
What is the most common cause of encephalitis?
Herpes simplex virus type 1
(HSV-1)
Which part of the brain are most commonly affected by encephalitis?
Temporal lobe
What are the main presenting symptoms of encephalitis?
Fever
Headache
Seizures
Vomiting
focal features e.g. aphasia
Why is aphasia a symptom of encephalitis?
It usually affects the temporal lobe
What other lobe is commonly affected in encephalitis?
Inferior frontal lobe
How is encephalitis diagnosed?
Cerebrospinal fluid
Neuroimaging
EEG
What results from the cerebrospinal fluid could indicate encephalitis?
Lymphocytosis
Elevated protein
What would you also check for in the cerebrospinal fluid in someone with encephalitis?
PCR for HSV
What neuroimaging would you consider in someone presenting with encephalitis?
MRI
What EEG pattern might you see in someone presenting with encephalitis?
Lateralised periodic discharges at 2 Hz
What is the medical management of encephalitis?
IV aciclovir
