Encephalitis

Question 1

What is encephalitis.

Answer 1

Infection of the brain parenchyma.

Question 2

What causes encephalitis. (2)

Answer 2

Can be primary or secondary to viral infections from other areas of the body.

Question 3

What virus causes 10% of cases of encephalitis.

Answer 3

Herpes simplex virus.

Question 4

What are the symptoms of encephalitis caused by herpes simplex virus. (7)

Answer 4

Prodromal viral symptoms:
Headaches. 
Fever. 
Meningism. 
Confusion. 
Delirium. 
Seizures. 
Neurological deficits.

Question 5

What are the potential complications of encephalitis caused by herpes simplex virus. (2)

Answer 5

Fatal if untreated and causes death in 7-10 days.
Neurological sequelae (eg seizures, amnesia, motor deficits, etc...)