What type of encephalitis is characterized by bizarre behavior and hallucinations?

The description of bizarre behavior and hallucinations aligns closely with autoimmune encephalitis, particularly when considering conditions such as anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis. This type of encephalitis can present with psychiatric symptoms including altered mental status, hallucinations, and abnormal behavior, in addition to neurological deficits.

Viral encephalitis, including herpes simplex virus (HSV) encephalitis, often presents with more classical symptoms such as fever, seizures, and focal neurological signs. While HSV encephalitis can lead to changes in behavior and mental status as it progresses, it is more commonly associated with symptoms specific to the region of the brain affected (often the temporal lobes), rather than the predominantly psychiatric symptoms associated with autoimmune encephalitis.

Bacterial meningitis typically presents with fever, stiff neck, and signs of meningeal irritation, but while some patients may experience confusion or altered consciousness, it is not usually characterized by the specific psychiatric manifestations seen in autoimmune encephalitis.

Thus, considering the key symptoms of bizarre behavior and hallucinations, autoimmune encephalitis is the correct association, as it encompasses a range of psychiatric and cognitive disturbances that align well with the symptoms described.