Purpose of review: This article reviews the current understanding of sepsis, a critical and often fatal illness that results from infection and multiorgan failure and impacts the brain, peripheral nervous system, and muscle.
Recent findings: Encephalopathy occurs early in association with sepsis, and its severity correlates with mortality. Neuroimaging in patients with CNS manifestations is typically normal. EEG is nonspecific. EMG is commonly diagnostic, showing a combination of nerve and muscle injury already early in the clinical course. Rapid recognition and correction of reversible causes of encephalopathy and avoidance of risk factors for intensive care unit-acquired weakness may limit sequelae. Major deficiencies in our understanding of the complications of sepsis remain. Studies to improve the recognition and rehabilitation of these patients are imperative in a clinical syndrome affecting countless patients each year.
Summary: The risk of later cognitive and physical disability may be increased after sepsis; therefore, attention to neurologic complications is urgent.