Haematoencephalitis

Haematoencephalitis refers to a condition where inflammation affects both the blood and the brain. It is characterized by the presence of blood in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) in conjunction with signs of central nervous system inflammation. This can occur due to various underlying causes.

One primary cause is trauma, such as severe head injury, which can lead to bleeding into the brain and subsequently trigger an inflammatory response. Another significant cause is stroke, particularly hemorrhagic stroke, where a blood vessel in the brain ruptures and bleeds. In these cases, the blood itself acts as an irritant, provoking inflammation within the brain tissue and the surrounding meninges.

Infections can also lead to haematoencephalitis. Certain systemic infections may cause bleeding into the CSF, or an infection directly affecting the brain, like meningitis or encephalitis, can lead to the presence of blood in the CSF as a secondary phenomenon. Certain neurological disorders or conditions that compromise the integrity of blood vessels in the brain can also predispose individuals to haematoencephalitis.

Diagnosis typically involves a lumbar puncture to obtain CSF for analysis. The presence of red blood cells and inflammatory markers in the CSF, along with clinical symptoms such as headache, neurological deficits, altered mental status, or seizures, supports the diagnosis. Imaging studies like CT or MRI scans are often used to identify the underlying cause, such as trauma or stroke. Treatment focuses on addressing the root cause, managing inflammation, and supportive care.