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Center for Encephalitis & Meningitis

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(415) 353-2069

The UCSF Center for Encephalitis and Meningitis provides comprehensive services to diagnose, treat and restore the health of patients with neuroinflammatory disorders. We have expertise in caring for the various forms of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), including those caused by a viral or bacterial infection or an autoimmune response. We also treat meningitis and pachymeningitis, which involve inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord, as well as paraneoplastic neurological disorders, a group of nervous system conditions that result from the immune system's response to a tumor.

We offer state-of-the-art testing techniques, including genomic sequencing of cerebrospinal fluid, that can help us pinpoint the causes of these conditions and determine how best to treat them.

Our highly experienced team of neurologists and infectious disease specialists also conducts research to better understand what triggers encephalitis and meningitis and to develop new approaches to diagnosis and treatment. This work, led by our research laboratory, involves a close partnership with the UCSF Center for Next-Gen Precision Diagnostics.

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    Awards & recognition

    • usnews-neurology

      Among the top hospitals in the nation

    • usnews-neurology

      Best in California and No. 2 in the nation for neurology & neurosurgery

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    Class

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    Spiritual Care Services

    Chaplains representing many faiths are available around the clock to provide support, comfort and counsel to patients, families and caregivers.

    Preparing for your appointment

    What to Bring

    • Photo I.D.
    • Health insurance card
    • Insurance authorization, if required
    • Doctor's referral, if required
    • Recent test results related to your condition
    • List of your medications, including dosages, plus any you're allergic to
    • List of questions you may have
    • Device or paper for taking notes

    International Services

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    Interpreting Services

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    Related clinics

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    400 Parnassus Ave., Fifth Floor
    San Francisco, CA 94143

    Multiple Sclerosis and Neuroinflammation Center

    Joan and Sanford I. Weill Neurosciences Building

    1651 Fourth St., Suite 252
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    Memory and Aging Center

    Joan and Sanford I. Weill Neurosciences Building

    1651 Fourth St., Suite 212
    San Francisco, CA 94158

    Our research initiatives

    • Center for Encephalitis and Meningitis

      UCSF unites groundbreaking scientific discovery with expert clinical care to improve the diagnosis, treatment and biological understanding of challenging neurological conditions.

    • UCSF Center for Next-Gen Precision Diagnosis

      The UCSF Center for Next-Gen Precision Diagnosis pioneers the development of new technologies for diagnosing unexplained illnesses.

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