Neuroinfections comprise a broad group of disorders caused by infectious agents affecting the central or peripheral nervous system. These conditions include meningitis, encephalitis, meningoencephalitis, brain abscesses, spinal cord infections, and infections of peripheral nerves. Neuroinfections represent neurological emergencies in many cases due to their potential for rapid progression, irreversible neurological injury, and life-threatening complications if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Clinical presentation varies widely depending on the site of infection, causative organism, and host immune status. Central nervous system infections commonly present with headache, fever, altered mental status, seizures, focal neurological deficits, or signs of raised intracranial pressure. Peripheral nervous system involvement may manifest as weakness, sensory loss, neuropathic pain, or cranial nerve dysfunction. In immunocompromised individuals, presentations may be atypical or subtle, increasing diagnostic complexity.

Neurological evaluation of suspected neuroinfection requires urgent and systematic assessment. Detailed history focuses on symptom onset, progression, exposure risks, recent infections, travel history, immunosuppression, and vaccination status. Neurological examination assesses level of consciousness, focal deficits, meningeal signs, and autonomic instability. Early identification of red-flag features guides immediate intervention.

Diagnostic investigations are critical and time-sensitive. Neuroimaging is often performed early to exclude mass lesions or contraindications to lumbar puncture. Cerebrospinal fluid analysis remains central to diagnosis, providing information on inflammatory patterns, infectious agents, and disease severity. Microbiological, molecular, and immunological testing supports pathogen identification and targeted therapy.

Management of neuroinfections is multidisciplinary and often initiated empirically before definitive diagnosis. Treatment includes antimicrobial therapy tailored to suspected pathogens, supportive neurological care, and management of complications such as seizures, cerebral edema, or hydrocephalus. Close neurological monitoring is essential to detect deterioration or treatment failure.

Long-term outcomes depend on early recognition, timely treatment, and severity of infection. Survivors may experience persistent neurological deficits including cognitive impairment, epilepsy, or motor disability, necessitating prolonged neurological follow-up and rehabilitation.

Neuroinfections require a high index of suspicion and coordinated neurological care to reduce morbidity and mortality and preserve neurological function.