Neuroinfectious Emergencies

OBJECTIVE: This article describes nervous system infections and complications that lead to neurologic emergencies. LATEST DEVELOPMENTS: New research on the use of dexamethasone in viral and fungal infections is reviewed. The use of advanced MRI techniques to evaluate nervous system infections is discussed. ESSENTIAL POINTS: Neurologic infections become emergencies when they lead to a rapid decline in a patient's function. Emergent complications may result from neurologic infections that, if not identified promptly, can lead to permanent deficits or death. These complications include cerebral edema and herniation, spinal cord compression, hydrocephalus, vasculopathy resulting in ischemic stroke, venous thrombosis, intracerebral hemorrhage, status epilepticus, and neuromuscular respiratory weakness.