Infections of the Central Nervous System

Central nervous system infections particularly involving the cerebrum and cerebellum are medical emergencies and are associated with substantial morbidity, mortality, or long-term squeals. Acute infections of the central nervous system typically result from the blood-borne spread of microorganisms. Other causes include infections secondary to fractures of the skull bone, sinus, mastoid, or middle ear infections and intraoperative contamination during neurosurgical procedures. Conditions like encephalitis can be the result of the intraneural spread of viruses, such as rabies, herpes simplex virus, or polioviruses. The clinical picture of the central nervous system infection can be nonspecific or specific with distinct, recognizable clinical syndromes. Due to the high possibilities of serious and complex implications, patients with acute infections require critical and intensive care management. Topics covered include pathology, clinical features, and laboratory findings of meningitis, encephalitis, and brain abscess, and the medical and/or surgical management along with an outline of physiotherapy evaluation and management.