Meningoencephalitis

Question 1

Meningoencephalitis

Define:

Answer 1

Meningoencephalitis also known as encephalomeningitis is an inflammation of the brain and its surrounding protective membranes.

It resembles both meningitis and encephalitis

Question 2

Meningoencephalitis

Cause:

Answer 2

caused by

*bacteria (Listeria monocytogenes, menigococcus) , viruses (HSV, HIV)*

_fungi,** and **protozoan_ (Toxoplasma Gondii) or as secondary sequel of other inflammations like AIDS

EX: herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, arboviruses (such as West Nile Virus), which are transmitted from infected animals to humans through the bite of an infected tick, mosquito, or other blood-sucking insect, or enteroviruses.

Question 3

Meningoencephalitis

Symptoms:

Answer 3

Symptom: general – fever, pain and rigidity with the tremor, convulsions and paralysis.

Localizing signs – circling, falling to one side, unilateral facial paralysis and seizures

• High rates of mortality and severe morbidity
• Treatment – antibiotics

Question 4

Meningoencephalitis

Diagnosis:

Answer 4

Clinical diagnosis includes evaluation for the presence of recurrent or recent herpes infection, fever, headache, altered mental status, convulsions, disturbance of consciousness, and focal signs.

CSF, EEG, CT, MRI are responsive to specific antivirus agent.

Question 5

Meningoencephalitis

Tests:

Answer 5

CSF: HSV－antigen,

HSV－Antibody, brain biopsy or pathology:

Cowdry in intranuclear

CSF: the DNA of the HSV(PCR)

Question 6

Meningoencephalitis

Treatment:

Answer 6

-Antiviral therapy, such as acyclovir and ganciclovir, work best when applied as early as possible.

May also be treated with interferon as an immune therapy.

-Seizure can be treated with antiepileptic drugs.

-High intracranial pressure can be treated with drugs such as mannitol.