Viral encephalitis physical examination: Difference between revisions
Jump to navigation
Jump to search
No edit summary |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 20: | Line 20: | ||
* Dystonia | * Dystonia | ||
* Ataxia | * Ataxia | ||
* Abnormal reflexes | |||
===Herpes simplex encephalitis=== | ===Herpes simplex encephalitis=== | ||
It is commonly seen in neonates and physical examination may include: | It is commonly seen in neonates and physical examination may include: | ||
| Line 30: | Line 31: | ||
* Shock | * Shock | ||
====Gastrointestinal==== | ====Gastrointestinal==== | ||
* Herpetic lesions in tongue and buccal mucosa | * Herpetic lesions in tongue and buccal mucosa (mouth ulcers) | ||
* Hepatomegaly | * Hepatomegaly | ||
====Neurological==== | ====Neurological==== | ||
Revision as of 01:06, 13 February 2012
Template:Encephalitis Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editors-In-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, MBBS [2]
Overview
Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a viral infection. It may present as focal or diffuse neurological manifestations. The signs may include altered mental status, change in personality, meningismus, ataxia, seizures, and cranial nerve involvement.
Physical examination
Focal
Focal neurological signs are found commonly in patients with Herpes simplex encephalitis. Common findings in encephalitis are:
- Focal seizures
- Cranial nerve palsy
- Dysphagia (Rabies)
Diffuse
- Altered sensorium
- Personality changes
- Autonomic dysfunction
- Hemiparesis
- Meningismus
- Dystonia
- Ataxia
- Abnormal reflexes
Herpes simplex encephalitis
It is commonly seen in neonates and physical examination may include:
General physical examination
- Decreased consciousness, irritability
- Bulging fontanelles
- Jaundice
- Keratoconjunctivitis
- Herpetic skin lesions
- Shock
Gastrointestinal
- Herpetic lesions in tongue and buccal mucosa (mouth ulcers)
- Hepatomegaly
Neurological
- Seizures