West nile virus physical examination
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Michael Maddaleni, B.S.
Overview
On physical examination, patients with WNV infection may have no specific signs. Physical examination findings may range from isolated fever and tachycardia to sensory and motor neurological impairment, signs of meningeal irritation, stupor, and coma.
Physical exam
Most patients with WNV are asymptomatic or experience a mild disease that may often have no signs on physical examination.
It is possible for a patient with West nile virus to present with signs of encephalitis and meningoencephalitis. These signs include:
Other clinical findings can include things such as:
- Papilledema
- Cranial nerve involvement
- Decreased sensation
- hyperreflexia
- Positive Brudzinki signs and Kernig signs
- Motor strength weakness