Acute encephalitis remains one of the contemporary challenges of critical care medicine. The diagnosis is difficult and sometimes unconfirmed, and encephalitis remains without clear evidence-based therapies or even therapeutic goals for the prevention of high neurologic sequelae. This article provides a framework for pediatric intensivists to guide the diagnosis and management of patients with suspected encephalitis. It provides an in-depth review of the most common causes of encephalitis in children. The article promotes early recognition, appropriate testing and empiric treatment, and management of the expected complications of acute encephalitis.
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