Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026

Design of Cecal Ligation and Puncture and Intranasal Infection Dual Model of Sepsis-Induced Immunosuppression
Published on: June 15, 2019
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy
Teneille E Gofton1, G Bryan Young
1Department of Clinical Neurological Sciences, London Health Sciences Centre, University Hospital, University of Western Ontario, 339 Windermere Road, London, ON N6A 5A5, Canada.
Abstract:
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is a diffuse brain dysfunction that occurs secondary to infection in the body without overt CNS infection. SAE is frequently encountered in critically ill patients in intensive care units, and in up to 70% of patients with severe systemic infection. The severity of SAE can range from mild delirium to deep coma. Seizures and myoclonus are infrequent and cranial nerves are almost always spared, but most severe cases have an associated critical illness neuromyopathy. Development of SAE probably involves a number of mechanisms that are not mutually exclusive and vary from patient to patient. Substantial neurological and psychological morbidities often occur in survivors. Mortality is almost always due to multiorgan failure rather than neurological complications, and is almost 70% in patients with severe SAE. Further research into the pathophysiology, management and prevention of SAE is needed. This Review discusses the epidemiology and clinical presentation of SAE. Recent evidence for SAE pathophysiology is outlined and a diagnostic approach to patients with this syndrome is presented. Lastly, prognosis and management of SAE is discussed.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Encephalitis l: Introduction
Hepatic Encephalopathy
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology
Brain Abscess l: Introduction
Viral Meningitis
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology
