Encephalitis Flashcards
What is encephalitis?
Inflammation/infection of the brain
What are the features of encephalitis?
Fever, headache, psychiatric symptoms, seizures, vomiting Focal features (aphasia)
(Peripheral lesions (e.g. cold sores) have no relation to the presence of HSV encephalitis)
What is the pathophysiology of encephalitis?
HSV-1 responsible for 95% of cases in adults
Typically affects the temporal and inferior frontal lobes
What are the investigations for encephalitis?
CSF: lymphocytosis, elevated protein
PCR for HSV
CT: medial temporal and inferior frontal changes e.g. petechial haemorrhages (normal 1/3)
MRI is better
EEG pattern: lateralised periodic discharges at 2Hz
What is the management of encephalitis?
Intravenous aciclovir should be started in all cases of suspected encephalitis