The key to treating encephalitis is early detection and treatment. A child with encephalitis requires immediate hospitalization and close monitoring. Sometimes, depending on what doctors think the specific cause of the encephalitis is, certain medications can be used to fight infections that may cause it.

In this podcast, Dr. Stuart Tomko, MD, Washington University pediatric neurologist at St. Louis Children's Hospital, discusses Autoimmune Encephalitis and when to refer to a specialist.