Encephalitis and Meningitis

Curriculum Reference

HiLLO 12: Doctors specialising in Intensive Care Medicine understand the special needs of, and are competent to manage patients with neurological diseases, both medical and those requiring surgery, which will include the management of raised intracranial pressure, central nervous system infections and neuromuscular disorders.

SSM NICU: Can recognise, resuscitate and initiate treatment of the patient with acute neurological injury, having an enhanced understanding of the specific neuropathophysiologies. They will be able to institute advanced pharmacological and physical therapeutic interventions, and continue ongoing diagnostic and disease management strategies, including multi-organ support.

Subspecialty/International Guidance (e.g. SNACC)

The UK joint specialist societies guideline on the diagnosis and management of acute meningitis and meningococcal sepsis in immunocompetent adults

Management of suspected viral encephalitis in adults – Association of British Neurologists and British Infection Association National Guidelines

RCoA Audit Compendium

FICM recommendations

The management of suspected viral encephalitis or acute meningitis in adults should follow national guidance.

Autoimmune encephalitis should be suspected and investigated in all adults presenting with the internationally described criteria proposed to identify this disease.

Adults admitted with an acute neurological problem should have access to daily consultation or advice from neurology specialists, if necessary by telemedicine.