Viral encephalitis physical examination: Difference between revisions

Revision as of 23:47, 12 February 2012

For patient information, click here Template:Encephalitis Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a viral infection. Sometimes, encephalitis can result from a bacterial infection, such as bacterial meningitis, or it may be a complication of other infectious diseases like rabies (viral) or syphilis (bacterial). Certain parasitic or protozoal infestations, such as toxoplasmosis, malaria, or primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, can also cause encephalitis in people with compromised immune systems. Brain damage occurs as the inflamed brain pushes against the skull, and can lead to death.

Focal neurological signs are found commonly in patients with Herpes simplex encephalitis. Common findings in encephalitis are:

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 '''Encephalitis''' is an [[Acute (medical)|acute]] [[inflammation]] of the [[brain]], commonly caused by a [[virus|viral]] [[infection]]. Sometimes, encephalitis can result from a [[bacteria]]l infection, such as bacterial [[meningitis]], or it may be a complication of other infectious diseases like [[rabies]] (viral) or [[syphilis]] (bacterial). Certain [[parasitic]] or [[protozoa]]l infestations, such as [[toxoplasmosis]], [[malaria]], or [[primary amoebic meningoencephalitis]], can also cause encephalitis in people with [[immune deficiency|compromised]] [[immune system]]s. Brain damage occurs as the inflamed brain pushes against the skull, and can lead to death.
+==Physical examination==
+===Focal===
+Focal neurological signs are found commonly in patients with Herpes simplex encephalitis. Common findings in encephalitis are:
+* Hemiparesis
+* Focal seizures
+* Autonomic dysfunction
+* Cranial nerve palsy
+* Dysphagia
+===Diffuse===
+* Altered sensorium
+* Personality changes
+* Dystonia
+* Ataxia
+* Meningismus
 ==See also==