Viral encephalitis physical examination: Difference between revisions
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{{Encephalitis}} | {{Encephalitis}} | ||
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==Overview== | ==Overview== | ||
'''Encephalitis''' is an [[Acute (medical)|acute]] [[inflammation]] of the [[brain]], commonly caused by a [[virus|viral]] [[infection]]. | '''Encephalitis''' is an [[Acute (medical)|acute]] [[inflammation]] of the [[brain]], commonly caused by a [[virus|viral]] [[infection]]. It may present as focal or diffuse neurological signs. The signs may include altered mental status, change in personality, meningismus ataxia, seizures and cranial nerve involvement. | ||
==Physical examination== | ==Physical examination== | ||
===Focal=== | ===Focal=== | ||
Revision as of 23:55, 12 February 2012
Template:Encephalitis Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a viral infection. It may present as focal or diffuse neurological signs. The signs may include altered mental status, change in personality, meningismus ataxia, seizures and cranial nerve involvement.
Physical examination
Focal
Focal neurological signs are found commonly in patients with Herpes simplex encephalitis. Common findings in encephalitis are:
- Focal seizures
- Cranial nerve palsy
- Dysphagia (Rabies)
Diffuse
- Altered sensorium
- Personality changes
- Autonomic dysfunction
- Hemiparesis
- Meningismus
- Dystonia
- Ataxia