Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain caused by viruses, bacteria, parasites, or immune system reactions. Symptoms include headache, neck pain, confusion, and seizures. Diagnosis involves testing spinal fluid or brain tissue. Treatment includes antibiotics, antivirals, steroids, and pain relief, followed by rehabilitation.
Encephalitis is a rare condition that causes inflammation of the brain. It is most commonly caused by an infection or virus invading the brain, but it can also be caused by bacteria or parasites. In very rare cases, the condition can be caused by an injury to the brain, an adverse reaction to drugs or medications, or the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking the brain.
If a virus, or bacteria caused by parasites, enters the bloodstream, it can be carried to the brain where an inflammatory action, or encephalitis, can occur. This can lead to swelling of the brain tissue, bleeding inside the brain, and even permanent brain damage. People with weak immune systems, children and the elderly are more susceptible, although it can affect anyone.
The symptoms of encephalitis can vary widely and sometimes no symptoms occur. In severe cases, symptoms may include difficulty walking or standing, clumsiness, headache, neck pain, stiff neck, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, irritability, drowsiness, mental confusion, aversion to light, and in rare cases , seizures or coma. Symptoms in newborns are harder to recognize, but may include squinting or turning away from the light and the body becoming weak or floppy.
The cause is often a mystery, unless a widespread outbreak is documented. In some cases, bugs carrying a virus infect a community and the cause can be pinpointed. In isolated cases of the condition, it is more difficult to determine a cause. Although viruses and bacteria are believed to account for the majority of cases, specific germs have been found in fewer than fifty percent of encephalitis patients.
There are more than 100 different germs thought to cause encephalitis. Some of the most common include the herpes simplex virus, entereoviruses that are spread through feces, and arboviruses that are spread through insect bites. The condition is also sometimes caused by the body overreacting to common infections such as herpes simplex, measles, and even the flu.
To diagnose a patient, a lumbar puncture, or lumbar puncture, is performed by inserting a needle into the lower back and taking a sample of fluid from the spine. The fluid is then tested for viruses, bacteria or other substances that may be associated with encephalitis. A biopsy, in which a small portion of brain tissue is removed and tested for viruses, may also be done if your doctor feels it is necessary for a diagnosis.
If a patient is positively diagnosed with encephalitis, antibiotic treatment is usually prescribed immediately, especially if the cause is unknown. The acute phase, or time when the brain is swollen, lasts up to two weeks and symptoms may gradually or suddenly disappear after this time. Further treatment depends on the cause of the condition and may include antiviral drugs, steroids to reduce swelling, and narcotics given to relieve pain. After the acute phase is over, the focus shifts to rehabilitation and treatment for brain damage or other lingering problems.
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