Encephalitis

Question 1

What is encephalitis?

Answer 1

inflammation of the brain

Question 2

What is the most common cause of encephalitis?

Answer 2

Viral infection

Question 3

What is the most common viral cause of encephalitis in neonates and why?

Answer 3

herpes simplex virus 2 from genital herpes, contracted during birth

Question 4

Name 7 viruses associated with causing encephalitis:

Answer 4

1) herpes simplex virus
2) varicella zoster virus
3) cytomegalovirus (associated with immunodeficiency)
4) Epstein-Barr virus
5) enterovirus
6) adenovirus
7) influenza

Question 5

Give 6 symptoms of encephalitis:

Answer 5

1) fever
2) altered consciousness
3) acute onset of focal seizures
4) altered cognition
5) acute onset of focal neurological symptoms
6) unusual behaviour

Question 6

Give 4 investigations for encephalitis diagnosis:

Answer 6

1) lumbar puncture and CSF viral PCR
2) MRI
3) HIV testing
4) viral swabs (to find the causative organism)

Question 7

What treatment is used for encephalitis?

Answer 7

IV antiviral

Question 8

What antiviral is used to treat herpes simplex virus?

Answer 8

Aciclovir

Question 9

What antiviral is used to treat varicella zoster virus?

Answer 9

aciclovir

Question 10

What antiviral is used to treat cytomegalovirus?

Answer 10

ganciclovir

Question 11

What test is completed to ensure successful treatment of viral encephalitis?

Answer 11

repeat lumbar puncture (before antivirals are stopped)

Question 12

Give 5 complications of encephalitis:

Answer 12

1) lasting fatigue
2) change in personality and memory
3) learning disabilities
4) sensory disturbances
5) seizures