Encephalitis Diagnostic and Management Algorithm
This is an exciting development led by Professor Tom Solomon and the Liverpool Brain Infections Group and supported by the Encephalitis
Society, as well as the Association of British Neurologists and the British Infection
Society.
The Liverpool Group have created a Guideline Development Group consisting of Paediatric
and Adult consultants and clinicians. The Society is represented on the Group by
our Development Manager, Ava Easton.
The aim is to produce a set of adult and paediatric guidelines in parallel which
will improve the management of patients with suspected viral encephalitis (adults
and children.). The intention is that these guidelines would have endorsement of
appropriate Professional Bodies (adult and paediatric). The Group is in the process
of getting approval for their development from key stakeholders such as the Royal
College of Paediatrics and Child Health (or the British Paediatric Neurological
Association).
Currently a local algorithm and guidelines are being used by some hospitals in the
North West. The Guideline Development Group is producing a National Algorithm and
guidelines to be rolled out on a National Scale. The Society will be heavily involved
in these later stages and it is through the generosity of one member in particular
that we have been able to provide support for the development of these guidelines.
The Group aims to produce:
- an A4 sided poster, supported by a review type article that explains in brief the
process of the guidelines development, and provides key supporting evidence.
- a single poster for adults.
- a single poster for children older than one month. Neonates (ie children younger
than 1 month) will not be considered here.
- educational posters and powerpoint presentations to help inform people about the
guidelines (tools for application)
- an audit tool for people to determine whether the guidelines are being implement
The Group intends that the guidelines will be reviewed and updated every 3 to 5
years.
Read the current
diagnostic and management algorithm
Progress with
development of the National Guidelines
The Society firmly believes this algorithm will not only SAVE LIVES (reduce mortality)
but that it can reduce the level and state of disease and disability (morbidity)
following Encephalitis.
Read the original article
Viral encephalitis: a clinicians's guide
If you would like to make a financial contribution to this project and help the
society save lives then please contact Ava Easton
Last modified: February 2011