2019 年 36 巻 2 号 p. 57-60
Japan will become a full–fledged aged society. The elderly population aged 65 years or over will account for more than 26 percent of the population. One of four people was 65 years old or over. In Japan, the appropriate clinical management is thus important in elderly patients with neuro–infections including meningitides and encephalitides. Bacterial meningitis and encephalitides are lifethreatening neurological emergencies, and early recognition, efficient decision–making, and rapid commencement of therapy can be lifesaving. Empirical therapy should be initiated promptly whenever bacterial meningitis or encephalitides are a probable diagnosis. In this article, elderly patients with bacterial meningitis, Herpes simplex virus encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis, and autoimmune encephalitis are reviewed. Neurologist should be able to recognize the clinical signs and symptoms of these infections and familiarize themselves with a rational diagnostic approach and therapeutic modalities, as early recognition and treatment are key to improving outcomes.
