Encephalitis

Synonyms

• Brain Inflammation
• Acute Viral Encephalitis
• Infectious Encephalitis
• Autoimmune Encephalitis
• Cerebral Infection
• Neuroinflammation

Introduction and Definition

Encephalitis is a severe, often life-threatening, inflammatory condition of the brain, typically resulting from viral infections, autoimmune reactions, or, in rarer cases, bacterial and fungal pathogens. The pathological hallmark of encephalitis is extensive neuroinflammation leading to neuronal dysfunction, cerebral edema, and, in severe cases, irreversible neurological sequelae. Given the heterogeneity in etiology and clinical presentation, accurate and timely diagnosis is imperative to optimize therapeutic interventions and reduce morbidity and mortality.

Tabes Dorsalis (Locomotor ataxia)

There is slowly progressive degeneration of the posterior roots of the spinal nerves and the posterior column of the spinal cord by the spirochetes or demyelination of dorsal group of neurons. These changes produce loss of coordination of muscles and joints resulting in locomotor ataxia.