Medicine Online
Any medical inquiries? Search MOL for answers:
Home > Medical Articles > Articles beginning with E > Encephalitis > Diagnosis & Tests
Medical References
Diseases & Conditions
Women's Health
Mental Health
Men's Health
Medical Web Links
MOL Site Map
Medical Tips
Attention, chocolate lovers: You may not be able to help yourselves. Swiss and British scientists have linked the widespread love of chocolate to a chemical "signature" that may be programmed into our metabolic systems.
Read more health news

Encephalitis


Diagnosis & Tests

How is the condition diagnosed?

Diagnosis of encephalitis begins with a medical history and physical examination. A spinal tap may be done to obtain a sample of the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord. The doctor may order other tests, including:

  • antibody titer blood tests to detect antibodies to certain organisms
  • blood cultures to detect organisms in the blood
  • cranial CT scan
  • cranial MRI
  • electroencephalogram, also called EEG, which shows brain waves
  • polymerase chain reaction, a blood test that identifies organisms by their genes

  • HomeSitemap Contact UsAdvertisingPress RoomGive Us Your FeedbackRead Our Terms & Conditions and Our DisclaimerPrivacy Statement