The Management of Encephalitis

Target Population: Healthcare providers who treat patients with encephalitis

Type: Consensus statement by a panel of experts, with recommendations graded by strength of supporting evidence

Background: Encephalitis is defined as inflammation of the brain associated with neurologic dysfunction. Although most of the pathogens that cause encephalitis are viruses, the causative agent often remains unidentified. Sometimes encephalitis represents an adverse reaction to immunization or an immune response to an earlier (usually viral) infection. Establishing the cause, even when no specific therapy is available, could affect management.

The differential diagnosis should include noni…