Year: 2024
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: Encephalitis is characterized by inflammation of the brain parenchyma with typical presenting symptoms of altered mental status and seizures. However, diagnostic workup is complex given the multitude of possible etiologies for encephalitis. Further, recurrence of encephalitis is rare, and understanding its risk factors, mechanisms, prognosis, and optimal treatment remains incomplete. Here, we present the case of a 69-year-old woman admitted to our hospital with altered mental status who was diagnosed with encephalitis based on clinical and imaging findings. This case highlights the diagnostic approaches required to obtain the final diagnosis and the treatment plan that resulted in the patient's eventual return to baseline and functional independence.
Source: Cureus
DOI: 10.7759/cureus.67599
Institutions: Mercy Hospital, Saint Louis University
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: diamond
OpenAlex ID: W4401813912