The Viral Encephalitis Equation

What do we know about viral encephalitis? We know viral encephalitis is a life threatening disease that can occur at any age. Viral encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that’s caused by a virus. So it’s fair to ask: How exactly do we treat Viral Encephalitis? As with many ailments, diagnostic imaging plays a big part in better understanding viral encephalitis.

According to an abstract published on medscape.com “It is critical to make a rapid and correct diagnosis for a better outcome of the disease. Accumulating evidence has suggested that MRI is a powerful tool for the detection of any lesion of the CNS caused by viral infections and helps to initiate the timely treatment.” So once again diagnostic imaging plays a major role in helping treat a life threatening and complex condition that doesn’t really discriminate.

According to the report in medscape.com the most common virus that causes encephalitis in humans is the HSV (Herpes Simplex Virus). In the diagnostic imaging study that was conducted, the MRI was used to better effect than a CT scan. While it was stated in the study that there is no correlation between the imaging and the extent of some abnormalities in cerebrospinal fluid, it was made clear that the MRI was playing a significant part in the diagnostic procedure.