Encephalitis Diagnosis

Encephalitis diagnosis involves the doctor asking questions, performing a physical exam, and (possibly) ordering various tests. Early diagnosis is vital, as encephalitis symptoms can appear suddenly and escalate to brain damage, hearing and/or speech loss, blindness, or even death. Tools at a doctor's disposal when making an encephalitis diagnosis include neurological examinations, laboratory screening, cerebrospinal fluid analysis, and computer-assisted imaging scans.

An Overview of Encephalitis Diagnosis

In order to make an encephalitis diagnosis, the doctor will ask a number of questions to review activities of the past several days (such as recent exposure to insects or animals, any contact with ill people, or recent travel), perform a physical exam, and may order various tests.
 
Early encephalitis diagnosis is vital, as encephalitis symptoms can appear suddenly and escalate to brain damage, hearing and/or speech loss, blindness, or even death.
 

Using Neurological Exams to Make an Encephalitis Diagnosis

A neurological examination involves a series of tests designed to assess:
 
  • Motor and sensory function
  • Nerve function
  • Hearing and speech
  • Vision
  • Coordination and balance
  • Mental status
  • Changes in mood or behavior.
     
Doctors may test the function of the nervous system through tests of strength and sensation with the aid of items including a tuning fork, small light, reflex hammer, and pins.
 

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Written by/reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
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