Encephalitis, a service orphan: The need for more research and access to neuropsychology

Abstract

Encephalitis and its consequences are often misunderstood, not only by the general public, but also by those providing health, educational and social services to those who have been affected. The aim of this paper is to provide a brief overview of the epidemiology and clinical consequences of encephalitis, and highlight the potential of approaches such as neurospsychology in its treatment, with the intention of helping health professionals improve the quality of care received by patients. It is argued that rehabilitation of people affected by encephalitis may benefit from interdisciplinary and biopsychosocial approaches, and that neuropsychological assessment can be a useful tool in recovery.

Health economic impact of early versus delayed treatment of herpes simplex virus encephalitis in the UK

“…Resource use data were collected at hospital discharge, 3 and at 12 months follow-up. This included: (1) length of hospital stay disaggregated into general ward and intensive care unit (ICU) to accurately reflect time spent in the different wards; (2) diagnostic tests [Lumbar Puncture (LP), Electroencephalogram (EEG), Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) and Computerised Tomography (CT)]; (3) hospital transfer for those patients that required specialised care; and (4) outpatient follow-up costs including follow-up diagnostics, readmission and rehabilitation. Specific unit costs for hospital stay in ICU and general neurological wards were used to accurately reflect resources used in the different wards.…”

“…In the United Kingdom (UK), approximately 1 in 250,000 to 500,000 people are newly diagnosed with HSV encephalitis annually (3). Early symptoms of HSV encephalitis include flu like symptoms and lethargy which are also common to a variety of infections while the later symptoms such as speech problems and seizures tend to mimic more common brain conditions such as stroke (4). The non-specific range of symptoms have been associated with delayed diagnosis and treatment (5).…”

Sequelae of neurological infection: management in primary care

“…Family members provide practical, social and emotional support for their loved ones and this can have important implications for a carer's own life. 34 Indeed, family and caregivers of those with ABI often suffer from depression and irritability, particularly in relation to the presence of behavioural problems and physical impairment in the injured individual. 35 To help individuals and their loved ones, promotion of self-management of their condition is important.…”

Diagnostic Pathways as Social and Participatory Practices: The Case of Herpes Simplex Encephalitis

“…The condition can have a devastating impact upon the lives of those affected, many of whom are left with a range of neurocognitive, social, and physical problems as a result of damage to the brain [ 2 – 5 ]. Beyond its immediate consequences for the individual, HSV encephalitis has a large impact on healthcare resources, due to costs associated with hospitalisation and rehabilitation; it also has important longer term consequences for patients, their families, and society, since fewer than 20% of adult sufferers will return to work [ 3 , 5 , 6 , 7 ]. The longer term outcome for children is less well studied, but is likely to have similar consequences and even more impact on society due to the age of developing the illness.…”