Abstract
A wide range of infections of the central nervous system are responsible for both
acute seizures and epilepsy. The pathogenesis and clinical semiology of the seizure
disorders vary widely between the infective pathogens. The exact mechanisms underlying
this are poorly understood, but appear, at least in part, to relate to the pathogen;
the degree of cortical involvement; delays in treatment; and the host inflammatory
response. The treatment of infective causes of seizures involves both symptomatic
treatment with antiepileptic drugs and direct treatment of the underlying condition.
In many cases, early treatment of the infection may affect the prognosis of the epilepsy
syndrome. The greatest burden of acute and long-term infection-related seizures occurs
in resource-poor settings, where both clinical and research facilities are often lacking
to manage such patients adequately. Nevertheless, education programs may go a long
way toward addressing the stigma, leading to improved diagnosis, management, and ultimately
to better quality of life.
Keywords
infection - encephalitis - epilepsy
