Encephalitis: The Daily PANCE Blueprint
Which of the following is the most common cause of encephalitis?
A. Bacteria infection
B. Fungal infection
C. Viral infection
D. Autoimmune disease
E. Parasitic infection
Answer and topic summary
The answer is C. Viral infection
Encephalitis is defined by inflammation of the actual brain parenchyma. It can be caused by an infection (viral is the most common type of infectious encephalitis) or an autoimmune response. Clinical features may include fever, headache, fatigue, altered mentation, hallucinations, psychosis, and actual neurological deficits, etc. Work-up includes a brain MRI with contrast, lumbar puncture, and EEG. Management includes seizure management with anti-epileptic drugs, empiric anti-viral and anti-bacterial agents, and IVIG and steroids for autoimmune encephalitis.
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Smarty PANCE Content Blueprint Review:
Covered under ⇒ PANCE Blueprint Neurology ⇒ ⇒
Also covered as part of the Emergency Medicine EOR and Internal Medicine EOR topic lists
