Viral encephalitis other diagnostic studies

Template:Encephalitis Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, MBBS [2]; Anthony Gallo, B.S. [3]

Overview

Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a viral infection. In patients with herpes simplex encephalitis, electroencephalograph may show sharp waves in one or both of the temporal lobes.

Other Diagnostic Studies

Electroencephalograph

In patients with herpes simplex encephalitis, electroencephalograph may show sharp waves in one or both of the temporal lobes called paroxysmal lateral epileptiform discharges. These waves are present even before changes can be picked by Ct scan or MRI and are positive in majority of cases. However, these are not diagnostic of encephalitis

Brain Biopsy

• Highly specific and sensitive.
• Rabies - Negri bodies in hippocampus and cerebellum
• Cowdry type A inclusion with hemorrhagic necrosis in the temporal and frontal areas of brain - Herpes simplex virus.