Viral encephalitis

What it means

An inflammation of brain parenchyma due to infection with a virus. Viral encephalitis can occur as a rare complication of common infections (eg, herpes virus infections) or can occur as a characteristic presentation of rare viruses (eg, rabies virus infection). Encephalitis may be the only neurologic manifestation of infection, or may occur in association with meningitis, myelitis, radiculitis, or neuritis. Viral encephalitis is associated with neurological dysfunction.

Severe viral infections including viral encephalitis may occur in individuals with underlying mmunodeficiencies.

Rare diseases that can present with this2

The range is how often this sign appears among people diagnosed with each disease — it is not a probability of having any of them. Many of these signs also occur in common, non-rare conditions. A sign on this page is a conversation to have with a clinician, not a conclusion.

Part of the broader category