Virale Meningoenzephalitis

摘要

A patient with suspected viral meningoencephalitis requires early recognition and institution of therapy and must be handled as an emergency. The initial contact with such a patient is usually by a physician of the emergency team; the following care will be maintained in an internal, neurologic or pediatric ward for critical care medicine. The individual course of the disease depends on host immunity, the pathogen, the exact localization and the speed of spreading. Age and level of consciousness at admission as well as early initiation of an antiviral treatment are prognostic factors for the patient outcome. Another important factor is the adequate treatment of complications. Thus, early antiviral therapy and symptomatic treatment of complications can not only reduce mortality but also influence long-term sequelae.