Encephalitis

Question 1

What is encephalitis?

Answer 1

Inflammation of the brain

Question 2

What is the most common cause of encephalitis in children?

Answer 2

HSV-1 from oral herpes

Question 3

What is the most common cause of encephalitis in neonates?

Answer 3

HSV-1 from genital herpes

Question 4

What are the other causes of encephalitis?

Answer 4

Varicella zoster
Cytomegalovirus
EBV
Enterovirus
Adneovirus
Influenza virus

Question 5

What is the presentation of encephalitis?

Answer 5

Altered consciousness
Altered cognition
Unusual behaviour
Acute onset of focal neurological symptoms
Acute onset of focal seizures
Fever

Question 6

What investigations are performed for suspected encephalitis?

Answer 6

Lumbar puncture and viral PCR
CT scan
MRI scan
EEG
Swabs of other areas
HIV testing

Question 7

What are the contraindications to having a lumbar puncture?

Answer 7

GCS below 9
Haemodynamically unstable
Active seizures
Post-ictal patient

Question 8

What is the first line medication for encephalitis?

Answer 8

Acyclovir for HSV and varicella
Ganciclovir for cytomegalovirus
IV ceftriaxone for bacterial cover