Meningitis/Encephalitis and Neurocritical Care

Meningitis and Encephalitis are clinical syndromes commonly encountered in Neuro Critical Care Units (NCCUs), with significant morbidity and mortality. The aetiological causes are varied and include infectious and non-infectious entities. Diagnostic approach involves a combination of clinical, biochemical, radiological, and serological parameters. The availability of molecular diagnostic tools has contributed to the identification of several new organisms as the causative agents of infection of the Central Nervous System (CNS), than was possible in the past. Long-term neurological and cognitive sequelae are known to occur following CNS infections. It is therefore imperative to follow a structured approach for an appropriate and timely diagnosis and prompt effective treatment of these disorders.