title: Central nervous system infections as a cause of an altered mental status? What is the pathogen growing in your central nervous system?
abstract: There are several central nervous system (CNS) infections (meningitis, encephalitis, and brain abscess), any of which may present with an altered level of consciousness. Because CNS infections can have a devastating outcome, it is important to recognize the presence of a CNS infection and begin treatment as soon as possible because early appropriate therapy may, in some cases, limit morbidity and mortality.
authors: Department of Emergency Medicine, Cleveland Clinic Lerner College of Medicine of Case Western Reserve University, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA. maces@ccf.org
authors: Sharon E
authors: SE
authors: Mace
mesh_terms: D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D002490:Central Nervous System / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002494:Central Nervous System Infections / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000276:immunology / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D002675:Child, Preschool; D003244:Consciousness Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000209:etiology* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000503:physiopathology; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000150:complications / Q000382:microbiology; D006801:Humans; D008581:Meningitis / Q000150:complications / Q000209:etiology / Q000382:microbiology; D015047:Zoonoses / Q000209:etiology