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Cognitive impairment in encephalitis: P3 and MRI correlation

J Kalita1, U K Misra, A Srivastava

  • 1Department of Neurology, Sanjay Gandhi PGIMS, Lucknow, India. jayanteek@yahoo.com

Electromyography and Clinical Neurophysiology
|March 14, 2009
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Cognitive impairment is common in encephalitis, particularly Japanese encephalitis (JE) and herpes simplex encephalitis (HSE). Abnormal P3 event-related potentials correlate with cognitive deficits and MRI findings.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Clinical Neurophysiology

Background:

  • Encephalitis, a serious brain inflammation, often leads to cognitive deficits.
  • Limited research exists on P3 event-related potentials (P3 ERPs) in encephalitis patients.
  • Understanding neurological sequelae is crucial for managing encephalitis outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate clinical, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and P3 changes in encephalitis patients.
  • To correlate P3 abnormalities with cognitive function (Mini Mental State Examination - MMSE) and MRI findings.
  • To assess the prevalence and types of cognitive impairment in different encephalitis etiologies.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective evaluation of 30 encephalitis patients (Japanese encephalitis, herpes simplex encephalitis, nonspecific).
  • Cognitive function assessed using MMSE one month post-illness.
  • P3 ERPs recorded using an oddball auditory paradigm; MRI performed; diagnosis confirmed by ELISA/PCR.

Main Results:

  • Cognitive impairment (abnormal MMSE) was frequent, especially in herpes simplex encephalitis (100%) and Japanese encephalitis (81%).
  • Abnormal P3 ERPs were observed in 6 patients, with 5 showing concurrent cognitive deficits.
  • MRI abnormalities were noted in 18 patients, frequently involving the thalamus; P3 abnormalities were more common with abnormal MMSE and MRI.

Conclusions:

  • Cognitive impairment is a significant sequela of herpes simplex encephalitis and Japanese encephalitis.
  • Abnormalities in P3 ERPs are associated with cognitive impairment and neuroimaging findings in encephalitis.
  • P3 ERPs may serve as a valuable biomarker for detecting neurological damage and cognitive deficits post-encephalitis.

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