Brain infectious and inflammatory disorders include conditions caused by infections (bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites) or autoimmune responses leading to inflammation in the brain. These disorders can be life-threatening and often require urgent medical intervention.

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Common Brain Infectious Disorders

Meningitis

• Inflammation of the brain tissue, often viral in origin.
• Causes: Herpes simplex virus (HSV), arboviruses (West Nile, Japanese encephalitis), rabies.
• Symptoms: Fever, confusion, seizures, personality changes, weakness, coma.
• Treatment: Antivirals (e.g., acyclovir for HSV), supportive care.

• Inflammation of the meninges (protective layers around the brain and spinal cord).
• Causes: Bacterial (Neisseria meningitidis, Streptococcus pneumoniae), viral (enteroviruses, HSV), fungal, or parasitic infections.
• Symptoms: Fever, headache, stiff neck, nausea, confusion, seizures.
• Treatment: Antibiotics (bacterial), antiviral drugs (viral), supportive care.

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Encephalitis

• Inflammation of the brain tissue, often viral in origin.
• Causes: Herpes simplex virus (HSV), arboviruses (West Nile, Japanese encephalitis), rabies.
• Symptoms: Fever, confusion, seizures, personality changes, weakness, coma.
• Treatment: Antivirals (e.g., acyclovir for HSV), supportive care.

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Brain Abscess

• Localized pus collection in the brain due to infection.
• Causes: Bacterial infections (Staphylococcus, Streptococcus), fungi, parasites.
• Symptoms: Headache, fever, neurological deficits, seizures.
• Treatment: Antibiotics, surgical drainage.

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Neurocysticercosis

• Parasitic infection of the brain caused by the larval stage of Taenia solium (pork tapeworm).
• Symptoms: Seizures, headaches, cognitive issues.
• Treatment: Antiparasitic drugs (albendazole, praziquantel), steroids, anticonvulsants.

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Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML)

• A rare viral brain infection caused by the JC virus in immunocompromised patients (HIV/AIDS, transplant recipients).
• Symptoms: Weakness, vision problems, cognitive decline.
• Treatment: Immune system restoration, no direct cure.

Common Brain Inflammatory Disorders

Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

• Autoimmune disorder causing inflammation and demyelination in the CNS.
• Symptoms: Fatigue, vision problems, motor weakness, sensory disturbances.
• Treatment: Immunomodulatory drugs (interferons, natalizumab), steroids

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Autoimmune Encephalitis

• Immune system attacks brain tissue, often associated with antibodies (anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis).
• Symptoms: Psychiatric symptoms, memory loss, seizures, movement disorders.
• Treatment: Steroids, plasmapheresis, IV immunoglobulins (IVIG).

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Neurosarcoidosis

• A form of sarcoidosis affecting the CNS, causing granulomatous inflammation.
• Symptoms: Cranial nerve palsies, meningitis-like symptoms, seizures.
• Treatment: Corticosteroids, immunosuppressants.

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Central Nervous System Vasculitis

• Inflammation of blood vessels in the brain, leading to stroke-like symptoms.
• Causes: Autoimmune diseases (lupus, giant cell arteritis), infections.
• Symptoms: Headache, cognitive changes, strokes.
• Treatment: Steroids, immunosuppressants.

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Diagnosis & Management

• Imaging: MRI, CT scan
• CSF Analysis: Lumbar puncture for infections/inflammatory markers
• Blood Tests: Autoimmune markers, serology
• Biopsy: In rare cases for definitive diagnosis