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Encephalitis, Viral

Forest W. Arnold, MSc, DO Reviewed 04/2024
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Inflammation of the meninges (meningitis) and brain (encephalitis) with clinical evidence of neurologic dysfunction

  • System(s) affected: nervous

  • Synonym(s): meningoencephalitis

EPIDEMIOLOGY

DIAGNOSIS

  • Major and minor diagnostic criteria have been proposed for probable and confirmed encephalitis of infectious or autoimmune etiology.

  • Assess risk factors in all cases of encephalitis.

  • Consider ...

TREATMENT

  • Many patients require intensive care.

  • In general, empiric therapy with acyclovir (dose below) is appropriate in cases of suspected encephalitis while awaiting formal diagnosis (1)[A].

  • Combine...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Postencephalitis sequelae are primarily neurologic. Guide follow-up accordingly (e.g., anticonvulsants for seizures).

  • Physical therapy may be necessary.

PATIENT EDUCATION

REFERENCES

1
Krett JD, Beckham JD, Tyler KL, et al. Neurology of acute viral Infections Neurohospitalist. 2022;12(4):632–646. doi: 10.1177/19418744221104778.
2
Autore G, Bernardi L, Perrone S, et al. Upd...

ADDITIONAL READING

Wright WF, Pinto CN, Palisoc K, et al. Viral (aseptic) meningitis: a review. J NeurolSci. 2019;398:176–183. doi: 10.1016/j.jns.2019.01.050.  

CODES

ICD10

  • A86 Unspecified viral encephalitis

  • A85.2 Arthropod-borne viral encephalitis, unspecified

  • A84.9 Tick-borne viral encephalitis, unspecified

  • A83.9 Mosquito-borne viral encephalitis, unspecified

SNOMED

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Patients with suspected encephalitis should have MRI and CSF analysis (using PCR) unless otherwise contraindicated.

  • Preventive measures include droplet/respiratory precautions, vector c...

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