title: Encephalitis.
abstract: Encephalitis is a serious and potentially treatable infection of the central nervous system. A pathogen is identified in less than 50% of cases. The differential diagnosis includes acute infection, immune-mediated causes, and other central nervous system processes. Emergent investigations include blood work, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and neuroimaging. Empiric acyclovir and antibiotics should be started immediately to maximize the child's chance of neurologic recovery.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Weingarten
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Enarson
authors.forename: Terry
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Klassen
mesh_terms: D000212:Acyclovir / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000293:Adolescent; D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002648:Child; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003952:Diagnostic Imaging; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000382:microbiology / Q000821:virology; D006801:Humans
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D000998:Antiviral Agents; D000212:Acyclovir