Acute childhood encephalitis and meningoencephalitis: Diagnosis and management

Abstract

This paper seeks to discuss the differential diagnosis of childhood encephalitis and to review the course of investigation in a child presenting with encephalopathy, encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. The paper also reviews the current understanding of acute demyelinating encephalomyelitis (ADEM) and presents the crucial therapeutic alternatives in the management of childhood encephalitis, including ADEM and infectious diseases.