Intracranial Infections

Author: Anna Shekhdar / Editor: Michael John Stewart / Reviewers: Michael Perry, Amanda King / Codes: A5, O3, R2, R3 /
Published: 12/06/2020

Description:

Intracranial infections (also called central nervous system infections or CNS infections) are relatively rare, but form a very important differential diagnosis in the unwell patient. It is essential to suspect and expedite treatment because consequences of a missed CNS infection are severe.

After completing this session you will be able to:

• Identify the major causes of CNS infection
• Distinguish between those seen in immunocompromised and non-immunocompromised patients, and highlight those of particular concern in people returning from travel abroad
• Explain how to differentiate, on clinical grounds, the relevant infections in the above groups
• Formulate a pragmatic approach to the investigations required to determine the cause
• Explain the current treatment recommendations for the most important causes of intracranial infection

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Useful link:

• Meningitis Research Foundation: View website