Encephalitis

Alternative Names

Encephalitis

What is Encephalitis

Encephalitis is inflammation in the brain tissue commonly caused by viral infections. Encephalitis is generally a viral illness. The early stages of encephalitis are usually serious and severe. The illness can be compared with the flu and usually lasts for 2-3 weeks. It can vary from mild to life-threatening and even fatal.

Signs and symptoms

Encephalitis resembles influenza and has the similar symptoms:

• Headache
• Fever
• Aches in muscles or joints
• Fatigue or weakness
• Consciousness
• Confusion or agitation
• Personality changes
• Seizures
• Loss of sensation or paralysis in certain areas of the body
• Muscle weakness
• Hallucinations
• Double vision
• Perception of foul smells
• Problems with speech or hearing
• Loss of consciousness

Possible complications

Encephalitis can lead to other more serious problems such as:

Respiratory arrest Coma Death

These complications may persist for a long period or be permanent:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Mood disorders
• Personality changes
• Memory problems
• Intellectual disabilities
• Lack of muscle coordination
• Paralysis
• Hearing or vision defects
• Speech impairments

What causes

As encephalitis is a viral disease, causes of encephalitis are:

• Viruses such as Herpes simplex virus, Enterovirus, Mosquito-borne virus,Tick-borne virus, Rabies virus
• Bacteria
• Fungi
• Parasites
• Childhood infections such as measles (rubeola), mumps and German measles (rubella)

Prevention

To prevent viral encephalitis you should:

• Avoid exposure to viruses that can cause the disease.
• Practice good hygiene by washing hands frequently and thoroughly with soap.
• Do not share utensils, tableware and beverages.
• Teach your children good habits.
• Get vaccinations.
• Protect yourself against mosquitoes and ticks.

Treatment

An appropriate treatment for patients with encephalitis can provide:

• Bed rest
• Plenty of fluids
• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve) for relieving headaches and fever
• Anticonvulsant medications such as phenytoin (Dilantin), to stop or prevent seizures
• Antiviral drugs such as Acyclovir (Zovirax) or Ganciclovir (Cytovene)
• Supportive care such as breathing assistance, intravenous fluids
• Follow-up therapies including physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech and psychotherapy