Encephalitis Flashcards

1
Q

What is encephalitis?

A

Inflammation/infection of the brain

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2
Q

What are the features of encephalitis?

A
Fever, headache, psychiatric symptoms, seizures, vomiting
Focal features (aphasia)

(Peripheral lesions (e.g. cold sores) have no relation to the presence of HSV encephalitis)

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3
Q

What is the pathophysiology of encephalitis?

A

HSV-1 responsible for 95% of cases in adults

Typically affects the temporal and inferior frontal lobes

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4
Q

What are the investigations for encephalitis?

A

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

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5
Q

What is the management of encephalitis?

A

Intravenous aciclovir should be started in all cases of suspected encephalitis

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