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Encephalitis, Pediatric

Lily C. Wong-Kisiel, MD and Elaine C. Wirrell, MD Reviewed 10/2018
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, which results in alterations in mental status, motor or sensory symptoms, speech problems, or seizures. This inflammation may be...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Symptoms include fever, headache, photophobia, altered mental status, irritability, gait disturbance, and seizures.

  • Ask about focal neurologic symptoms.

  • A recent viral illness, recent t...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Children suspected of encephalitis should be admitted for empiric antibacterial and antiviral treatments with expedited diagnostic workup. 

MEDICATION

Initial treatment should ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Physical and occupational therapists should be consulted early in the course and will be helpful during the convalescence.

  • Neuropsychological testing is helpful to...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • DuBray K, Anglemyer A, LaBeaud AD, et al. Epidemiology, outcomes and predictors of recovery in childhood encephalitis: a hospital-based study. Pediatr Infect Dis J.  2013;32(8)...

CODES

ICD9

  • 323.9 Unspecified causes of encephalitis, myelitis, and encephalomyelitis

  • 049.8 Other specified non-arthropod-borne viral diseases of central nervous system

  • 058.29 Other human herpesvirus ence...

FAQ

  • Q: Will the child suffer permanent brain injury from encephalitis?

  • A: The complications following encephalitis vary greatly from severe mental retardation and cerebral palsy to full recovery. There...

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