Diagnosis of Encephalitis
At the bedside
The diagnosis and management of encephalitis involve careful observation and specialised care, particularly at the bedside. Discover what to expect during hospital admission, including monitoring vital signs, administering treatments, and providing nutritional support when necessary. For severe cases, patients may be treated in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU), where advanced monitoring and interventions like ventilation or induced coma help manage critical symptoms.
Discharge from hospital
Discharge from hospital after encephalitis is a critical step in recovery, requiring careful planning to ensure the right support is in place. Explore the discharge process, from multidisciplinary assessments and creating a personalised discharge plan to addressing the long-term challenges of acquired brain injury (ABI). Discover the importance of involving patients and their families in decisions, understanding the responsibilities of being a carer, and ensuring clear communication with healthcare providers
Diagnostics in infectious encephalitis
Diagnosing infectious encephalitis is a critical process that requires prompt and precise action. Here we explains how doctors work to identify inflammation in the brain, determine its cause, and rule out other conditions. Learn about the key tests used, such as cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, blood tests, imaging, and the rare use of brain biopsies. It also highlights the challenges in diagnosis, from the non-specific nature of symptoms to the complexity of testing and interpretation.
Neuroimaging
Neuroimaging plays a vital role in diagnosing and understanding encephalitis by providing detailed images of the brain. Discover the different types of scans, such as MRI and CT, and how they help reveal damage, inflammation, or structural changes. It also discusses their limitations, associated risks, and considerations for certain groups, such as children or those with medical implants.
