[Meningoencephalitis]

Rev Prat. 2001 Mar 31;51(6):608-13.
[Article in French]

Abstract

There are many infectious agents that may be responsible for meningoencephalitis. Historical data, clinical examination, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid and imaging often do not make it possible to retain initially a precise diagnostic orientation. In emergency, it is essential to seek the infectious causes imposing a specific treatment. Herpes simplex virus encephalitis is rare but it must be be always searched and a presumptive treatment must be started because of the spontaneously fatal evolution or heavy neurological sequelae. Hypothesis of Listeria meningoencephalitis being often impossible to eliminate from the start, anti-biotherapy must also be started immediately. Tuberculous meningoencephalitis must be evoked according to the ground. Other uncommon curable infectious causes are to be considered according to the context.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents / therapeutic use
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / diagnosis
  • Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / drug therapy
  • Encephalitis, Herpes Simplex / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Meningitis, Listeria / diagnosis
  • Meningitis, Listeria / drug therapy
  • Meningitis, Listeria / pathology*
  • Meningoencephalitis / drug therapy
  • Meningoencephalitis / etiology*
  • Meningoencephalitis / pathology
  • Prognosis
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / diagnosis
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / drug therapy
  • Tuberculosis, Meningeal / pathology*

Substances

  • Anti-Bacterial Agents