BRAIN STEM ENCEPHALITIS1

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Abstract
Yalaz, K. and Tinaztepe, K. (Departments of Paediatric Neurology and Paediatric Pathology, Hacettepe Children's Hospital, Ankara, Turkey). Brain stem encephalitis. Acta Paediat Scand 63: 235, 1974.–Since the clinical picture in brain stem encephalitis resembles that of various other neurological diseases and conditions, especially brain stem gliomas, and since the prognosis and treatment of these disorders differ greatly, accurate diagnosis is very important. Eight cases of brain stem encephalitis are presented; seven with signs indicating good prognosis, and the post‐mortem findings of one fatal case. Analyses of the clinical and laboratory findings of our cases allowed the following conclusions:1. There is a prodromal period of fever and general malaise before neurological symptoms appear.2. Dysphagia, peripheral facial paralysis and pyramidal tract signs are usually present.3. Although the clinical condition is grave at the onset of illness, the prognosis is good; in 7–8 weeks complete recovery may occur but facial nerve paralysis may persist.4. Lymphocytes may be present in the cerebro‐spinal fluid along with slight increase in protein.5. Distortion of the fourth ventricle which is of extreme importance in the diagnosis of brain stem gliomas is also usually encountered in brain stem encephalitis.