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Related Concept Videos

Encephalitis l: Introduction01:19

Encephalitis l: Introduction

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma, most often due to infections or autoimmune processes. It presents with neuropsychiatric features such as fever, altered mental status, behavioral changes, cognitive dysfunction, seizures, focal deficits, and sometimes autonomic instability. In some cases, the meninges are also involved, resulting in meningoencephalitis.Infectious CausesInfectious encephalitis is most commonly viral but can also result from bacterial, fungal, or parasitic...
Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology01:26

Encephalitis ll: Pathophysiology

Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain parenchyma caused by direct viral invasion or immune-mediated mechanisms triggered by infections or tumors. Both processes lead to neuronal injury, disrupted neurotransmission, and diverse neurological symptoms, often with overlapping clinical and pathological features.Autoimmune EncephalitisIn autoimmune encephalitis, antibodies target neuronal antigens on cell surfaces, synapses, or within neurons. A key example is anti-NMDAR encephalitis, which can...
Arboviral Encephalitis01:25

Arboviral Encephalitis

Arboviral encephalitis refers to brain inflammation caused by arthropod-borne viruses, particularly those transmitted through mosquito vectors. Among these, West Nile virus (WNV), a member of the Flaviviridae family, is a significant public health concern. WNV is an enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA virus. Human infection typically begins when an infected mosquito introduces the virus into the dermis during feeding. The primary transmission cycle involves birds as amplifying hosts...
Viral Meningitis01:18

Viral Meningitis

Viral meningitis is the most common form of meningitis and is often referred to as aseptic meningitis to indicate the absence of bacterial involvement. It is generally milder than bacterial meningitis, with symptoms including fever, headache, stiff neck, drowsiness, nausea, photophobia, and vomiting. Rarely, more severe manifestations or death may occur. Common causative agents include enteroviruses, particularly coxsackie A and B viruses and echoviruses, all members of the Enterovirus genus...
Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction01:22

Bacterial Meningitis I: Introduction

Bacterial meningitis is a severe, life-threatening inflammation of the meninges, particularly the pia mater and arachnoid mater, affecting the subarachnoid space, ventricles, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). If untreated, it can lead to significant neurological complications or death.Causative AgentsCommon pathogens vary with age and immune status. In adults, major organisms include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Streptococcus agalactiae (group B...
Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology01:26

Bacterial Meningitis II: Pathophysiology

Bacterial meningitis typically begins when pathogens such as Neisseria meningitidis and Streptococcus pneumoniae colonize the nasopharynx and invade the bloodstream. This process is facilitated by bacterial virulence factors, such as polysaccharide capsules, which resist phagocytosis and complement-mediated killing. Less commonly, bacteria reach the central nervous system via contiguous spread from infections like otitis media or sinusitis, through congenital or acquired dural defects, or...

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Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 10, 2026

In Vivo Imaging Systems (IVIS) Detection of a Neuro-Invasive Encephalitic Virus
10:21

In Vivo Imaging Systems (IVIS) Detection of a Neuro-Invasive Encephalitic Virus

Published on: December 2, 2012

Viral encephalitis in the ICU.

Andreas H Kramer1

  • 1Department of Critical Care Medicine and Clinical Neurosciences, Foothills Medical Center, McCaig Tower, 3134 Hospital Drive NW, Calgary, AB T2N 2T9, Canada. Andreas.Kramer@albertahealthservices.ca

Critical Care Clinics
|July 9, 2013
PubMed
Summary
This summary is machine-generated.

Viral encephalitis, a brain infection, alters consciousness and requires prompt antiviral treatment. Supportive care is vital to manage brain swelling and prevent further neurological damage.

Keywords:
Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)Anti-NMDA receptor antibodiesArbovirusComaEncephalitisHerpes simplex virusVaricella zoster virusWest Nile virus

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A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease
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A Murine Model of Dengue Virus-induced Acute Viral Encephalitis-like Disease

Published on: April 28, 2019

Area of Science:

  • Neurology
  • Infectious Diseases

Background:

  • Viral encephalitis presents with altered consciousness, fever, seizures, and neurological deficits.
  • Common viral culprits include herpes simplex virus (HSV), varicella-zoster virus (VZV), and enteroviruses.
  • Autoimmune and paraneoplastic encephalitis are differential diagnoses when no pathogen is identified.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the clinical presentation, diagnostic considerations, and management of viral encephalitis.
  • To highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment initiation.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of viral encephalitis, focusing on clinical features, pathogens, and management strategies.
  • Analysis of diagnostic indicators such as CSF pleocytosis and neuroimaging findings.

Main Results:

  • Altered consciousness, fever, seizures, and focal deficits are key clinical signs.
  • Identification of potential pathogens (HSV, VZV, enterovirus, arboviruses) guides therapy.
  • Autoimmune and paraneoplastic causes should be considered in undiagnosed cases.

Conclusions:

  • Early antiviral therapy and supportive care are crucial for managing viral encephalitis.
  • Management focuses on preventing and treating cerebral edema and physiological derangements.
  • ICU admission is indicated for severe cases like coma, status epilepticus, or respiratory failure.