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. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2019 Mar 1.
Published in final edited form as: Infect Dis Clin North Am. 2017 Dec 8;32(1):145–162. doi: 10.1016/j.idc.2017.10.007

Figure 1. Overview of Diagnostic Criteria for Encephalitis.

Figure 1

The major criterion required to meet the case definition for encephalitis is altered mental status >24 hours without alternative cause identified. Two additional minor criteria are required for possible encephalitis, wherease three or more additional minor criteria are required for probable encephalitis. Confirmed encephalitis additionally requires brain tissue pathology with inflammation, a diagnosis of a microorganism strongly associated with encephalitis, or laboratory evidence of an autoimmune condition strongly associated with encephalitis. Abbreviations: EEG=electroencephalogram, c/w=consistent with, CSF=cerebrospinal fluid