Encephalitis in the pediatric population

• The topic of encephalitis encompasses an enormous range of causative agents, clinical syndromes, and outcomes. • The treatment options remain largely supportive, except in a select number of cases in which a possible or probable causative agent exists and for which there is a specific therapy. • The specific cause of encephalitis in both the pediatric and adult population remains unknown in a majority of cases, despite extensive diagnostic testing. (1) • Specific causes of encephalitis often have classically reported features, but the extent of overlap in clinical symptomatology mandates broad consideration of possible causes. (1) • Parainfectious and inflammatory causes of encephalitis (acute disseminated encephalomyelitis) are as prevalent and clinically significant as direct CNS infection. (9)(10)(11) • Clinical outcome is determined largely by the nature of the causative agent, but with substantial contribution from factors such as other organ system involvement, seizure control, and cerebral perfusion. (7).