title: Managing patients with encephalitis.
abstract: This article provides an overview of encephalitis and addresses its diagnosis, some of the common presenting signs and symptoms, and the different aspects of nursing care required for these patients. In particular, it addresses how to explain encephalitis to the patient's relatives, the rehabilitation needs of these patients, and important aspects of discharge planning. Tests that are necessary for diagnosis in patients with suspected encephalitis and the importance of these are explained.
authors.affiliation: Urgent Care 24, Liverpool.
authors.forename: Claire
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Matata
authors.affiliation: Encephalitis Society, Malton, North Yorkshire.
authors.forename: Ava
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Easton
authors.affiliation: Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool and The Walton Centre NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool.
authors.forename: Benedict
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Michael
authors.affiliation: Alder Hey Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool.
authors.forename: Becky
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Evans
authors.affiliation: Infection prevention and control, School of Nursing, Midwifery & Social Work, University of Manchester, Manchester.
authors.forename: Deborah
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Ward
authors.affiliation: University of Liverpool and neurology consultant, The Walton Centre Neurology NHS Trust, Liverpool.
authors.forename: Tom
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Solomon
authors.affiliation: Institute of Infection and Global Health, University of Liverpool and Alder Hey Children's Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, Liverpool, England.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Kneen
mesh_terms: D004509:Education, Nursing, Continuing; D004660:Encephalitis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000451:nursing* / Q000503:physiopathology; D006801:Humans; D006113:United Kingdom / Q000453:epidemiology
keywords: aciclovir; autoimmune disorder; discharge planning; encephalitis; herpes simplex virus; lumbar puncture; rehabilitation