Febrile encephalopathy

Abstract

Febrile encephalopathy can be due to various causes that vary according to the local epidemiology and season. The critical window for diagnosis and effective intervention is often short. The basic principles of management include; the initial assessment and stabilization, focussed clinical evaluation and neurological assessment. Management include general and specific measures. Raised intracranial pressure, seizures and hemodynamic instability must be managed urgently and appropriately, since the diagnosis or specific etiology is not immediately apparent, empiric therapy based on local disease prevalence is initiated. A more specific management can be followed after a diagnosis is established or is reasonably certain.