Encephalitis
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, often due to infection or immune-related causes.
When to get help quickly: Encephalitis is urgent because confusion, seizures, reduced consciousness, or new neurological symptoms need immediate hospital assessment.
Common symptoms
Symptoms may include fever, headache, confusion, unusual behavior, drowsiness, seizures, weakness, speech difficulty, or changes in consciousness.
When imaging helps
Imaging helps when doctors need to look for inflammation in the brain, check which areas are affected, and rule out other causes of acute neurological symptoms.
What radiology does
MRI can help show which parts of the brain are affected and support the overall diagnosis along with lab and clinical findings.
What usually happens next
Management depends on the cause and may include antivirals, immune treatment, intensive monitoring, and supportive neurological care.
Seen this on your report?
Your doctor or the radiologist who wrote it can tell you what it means for you.