Differential Diagnosis for Fever and Brain Swelling
Single Most Likely Diagnosis
- Viral Encephalitis: This is a common cause of fever and brain swelling, often resulting from viral infections such as herpes simplex virus. The symptoms can include fever, headache, confusion, and in severe cases, seizures and coma.
Other Likely Diagnoses
- Bacterial Meningitis: An infection of the protective membranes covering the brain and spinal cord, known as the meninges. Symptoms include fever, headache, stiff neck, and confusion.
- Cerebral Abscess: A collection of pus in the brain tissue, usually caused by a bacterial or fungal infection. Symptoms can include fever, headache, confusion, and seizures.
- Severe Malaria: In rare cases, malaria can cause cerebral malaria, leading to fever, brain swelling, and potentially life-threatening complications.
Do Not Miss Diagnoses
- Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: Although not typically associated with fever, a subarachnoid hemorrhage can cause sudden brain swelling and is a medical emergency. Missing this diagnosis could be fatal.
- Brain Tumor with Infection: A brain tumor can become infected, leading to fever and brain swelling. This is a critical diagnosis not to miss due to the potential for severe outcomes.
- Central Nervous System (CNS) Vasculitis: Inflammation of the blood vessels in the brain can cause fever, brain swelling, and other neurological symptoms. This condition requires prompt treatment to prevent serious complications.
Rare Diagnoses
- Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease: A rare, degenerative, and fatal brain disorder that can cause fever, brain swelling, and dementia.
- Primary Amoebic Meningoencephalitis: A rare but often deadly infection caused by amoebas, leading to fever, headache, and brain swelling.
- Rasmussen's Encephalitis: A rare inflammatory neurological disease, characterized by fever, seizures, and brain swelling, often affecting one half of the brain.