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Treatment

Authoring team

Treatment is usually empirical to begin with, unless there is a clear idea of the aetiology. Thus, modalities include:

  • intravenous acyclovir, to cover herpes simplex. Given before the patient enters coma, this treatment has massively improved the prognosis.
  • intravenous broad spectrum antibiotics
  • intravenous mannitol, to reduce cerebral oedema
  • intravenous dextrose or dextrose saline, to maintain the blood glucose. The usual fluid management is restriction to two thirds maintenance, again to reduce cerebral oedema.

Other measures are supportive.

Reference:

  1. Ellul M, Solomon T. Acute encephalitis - diagnosis and management. Clin Med (Lond). 2018 Mar;18(2):155-159

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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