Viral encephalitis natural history, complications and prognosis

Template:Encephalitis Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Overview

Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a viral infection. Its natural history, complications and prognosis depends on age of patient, immune status, type of organism and time to initiate medical therapy. Thus, depending on these factors it may present with complications like seizures, shock, cranial nerve palsy, and coma.

Complications

• Increase intracranial pressure
• Cranial nerve palsy
• Shock
• Coma
• Seizures
• Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)