Neuro: Encephalitis: Free MSRA Podcast

⚕️ FREE MSRA PODCAST – Encephalitis🎧 A clear, high-yield breakdown of this life-threatening neurological emergency – perfect for exam prep and real-life clinical scenarios.🧠 Key Learning Points📌 Definition• Acute inflammation of the brain parenchyma• Most commonly viral but also autoimmune, bacterial, fungal, or parasitic📌 Causes & Risk Factors• Viral: HSV-1 (most common in UK adults), HSV-2 (neonates), VZV, CMV, EBV, HIV, arboviruses, rabies• Autoimmune: NMDA receptor encephalitis (esp. in young females)• Bacterial: TB, Listeria, Mycoplasma, Lyme, neurosyphilis• Fungal/Parasitic: Cryptococcus, Candida, toxoplasmosis, Naegleria fowleri• Risk Factors: extremes of age, immunosuppression, lack of vaccination, endemic area travel, insect bites💡 Mnemonic: “FEVER + BRAIN = THINK ENCEPHALITIS”📌 Pathophysiology• Direct viral invasion or immune-mediated attack → brain tissue inflammation• HSV-1 often targets temporal & frontal lobes → seizures, language/memory issues📌 Symptoms• Fever, headache, altered mental status, confusion, seizures• Focal neurological signs, photophobia, vomiting, personality changes• May mimic stroke or psychiatric illness📌 Differential Diagnosis• Meningitis• Stroke• Brain tumour• Autoimmune conditions (SLE, MS)• Abscess, neuro-syphilis, systemic infections (TB, Lyme)📌 Diagnosis• Lumbar puncture: CSF lymphocytosis, ↑ protein, viral PCR• MRI (preferred): temporal lobe changes in HSV• EEG: periodic lateralised discharges (2 Hz in HSV)• Bloods: inflammatory markers, viral serology💡 Remember: cold sores ≠ predictive of HSV encephalitis📌 Management• Immediate IV aciclovir for all suspected HSV encephalitis – do not wait for results• Supportive care: fluids, seizure control, ICU if needed• Targeted therapy based on cause (antibiotics, antifungals, immunotherapy)• Rehab: physio, OT, neuropsych support💡 Key point: early aciclovir = dramatically better outcomes📌 Complications• Epilepsy• Cognitive and behavioural deficits• Neuropsychiatric complications• Death (if untreated)📌 Prognosis• Variable: full recovery → severe disability → death• Poorer prognosis: older age, coma at presentation, immunocompromised, delayed treatment• Untreated HSV encephalitis often fatal within 7–14 days📎 More MSRA Resources for Encephalitis📝 Revision Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/encephalitis-revision-notes/🧠 Flashcards: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/encephalitis-flashcards/💬 Accordion Q&A Notes: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/encephalitis-accordion-qa-notes/🚀 Rapid Quiz: https://www.passthemsra.com/topic/encephalitis-rapid-quiz/🧪 Quiz Bank: https://www.passthemsra.com/quizzes/encephalitis/🎓 Full Course: https://www.passthemsra.com/courses/neurology-for-the-msra/Hashtags#MSRA #MSRARevision #MSRATextbook #MSRAQuiz #MSRAQuestionBank #MSRAFlashcards #MSRAQANotes #MSRAAccordions #MultiSpecialityRecruitmentAssessment #MSRAOnlineRevision #MSRARevisionWebsite #Encephalitis #Neurology