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Suspected encephalitis in adults
Abdusshakur Muhammad Auwal1,2,3, Rachael Matthews4,2,3, Callum Cook4,5
1Institute of Infection, Veterinary and Ecological Science, University of Liverpool, Liverpool, UK a.auwal@liverpool.ac.uk.
Practical Neurology
|April 29, 2026
Summary
Encephalitis, an inflammation of the brain, requires prompt diagnosis and treatment for better outcomes. This review covers infectious and autoimmune encephalitis, emphasizing clinical recognition and management strategies.
Area of Science:
- Neurology
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
Background:
- Encephalitis is a common cause of acute confusion in hospitalized patients, often leading to neurology referrals.
- Timely treatment is crucial for improving patient outcomes in both infectious and autoimmune encephalitis.
- Diagnosing encephalitis is challenging due to under-recognition and overlapping symptoms with other conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss clinical phenotypes of infectious and autoimmune encephalitis.
- To outline a systematic approach for investigating encephalitis.
- To review current treatment strategies and emerging research.
Main Methods:
- Review of clinical syndromes associated with encephalitis.
- Systematic approach to etiological investigation.
- Discussion of up-to-date treatment strategies.
Main Results:
- Clinical phenotypes guide etiological investigation and treatment.
- Simultaneous consideration of infectious and autoimmune causes is recommended.
- Metagenomics and therapeutic trials are areas of ongoing research.
Conclusions:
- Early recognition of clinical syndromes is key for effective encephalitis management.
- A systematic diagnostic and treatment approach is essential.
- Continued research in areas like metagenomics holds promise for future advancements.
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