Diagnostic challenges in neuroinfections: case report and literature review

Abstract

Meningitis and encephalitis are a group of neuroinfectious diseases that require both correct and early diagnosis and etiopathogenic treatment, because their potential for severe evolution, is often being associated with sequelae. In addition to the detailed anamnesis and clinical examination, it is important to know the specific neurological manifestations at the beginning in order to decide properly the indication to perform the lumbar puncture for identifying an etiopathogenic agent in order to administer a targeted treatment. We present the approach both in terms of diagnosis and treatment, in case of an elderly patient with a favourable evolution, towards healing, without associating neurological sequelae. At the same time, we present a synthesis of the novelties of diagnostic and treatment methods in infectious meningitis and encephalitis.