How should we define a 'good' outcome from encephalitis? A systematic review of the range of outcome measures used in the long-term follow-up of patients with encephalitis.

Introduction: Encephalitis is typically caused by infection or autoimmunity. Most survivors suffer complex neurological and psychiatric sequelae. Standardised outcome measures are needed for accurate interpretation of observational studies and clinical trials.

Protocol for DexEnceph: a randomised controlled trial of dexamethasone therapy in adults with herpes simplex virus encephalitis.

Introduction: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis is a rare severe form of brain inflammation that commonly leaves survivors and their families with devastating long-term consequences. The virus particularly targets the temporal lobe of the brain causing debilitating problems in memory, especially verbal memory. It is postulated that immunomodulation with the corticosteroid, dexamethasone, could improve outcomes by reducing brain swelling.