Encephalitis - Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Encephalitis Definitions

A severe inflammation of the brain, encephalitis may be caused by a mosquito-borne or a tick-borne virus. Encephalitis is almost always accompanied by inflammation of the adjacent meninges. There are many types of encephalitis, most of which are caused by viral infections. The virus may also be transmitted through ingestion of infected goat's milk and accidental injection or inhalation of the virus.

Encephalitis can be divided into two forms, primary and secondary encephalitis. Primary encephalitis occurs when a virus directly invades the brain and spinal cord. Secondary, or post-infectious encephalitis occurs when a virus first infects another organ and secondarily enters the brain.

Encephalitis Causes

Meningitis is an inflammation of the membranes, that may be caused by many different viruses and bacteria, or by diseases, that can cause inflammation of tissues of the body without infection. Viral meningitis is sometimes called aseptic meningitis to indicate it is not the result of a bacterial infection. Viral meningitis is sometimes called aseptic meningitis to indicate it is not the result of a bacterial infection. Arboviruses are the most common causes of episodic encephalitis.

The causes of encephalitis are usually infectious, but may also be due to some noninfectious causes. Three broad categories of viruses-herpes viruses, viruses responsible for childhood infections, and arboviruses-typically trigger encephalitis. Encephalitis generally results from infection with arboviruses specific to rural areas. In urban areas, it's most frequently caused by enteroviruses.

Encephalitis Symptoms

All viral forms of encephalitis have similar clinical features, although certain differences do occur. After the acute phase of the illness, coma may persist for days or weeks.

The symptoms of the encephalitis may be included:

fever headache vomiting stiff neck Drowsiness malaise stupor irritability coma Seizures impaired judgment drowsiness, weak muscles confusion judgment Poor responsiveness a clumsy and unsteady gait

Encephalitis Treatments

The goals of treatment are to provide supportive care and relieve symptoms.

Antibiotics may be prescribed when the infection is caused by some organisms, such as certain bacteria.

Corticosteroids, including prednisone and dexamethasone, are sometimes prescribed to reduce inflammation and brain swelling.

Antiviral medications may be prescribed for herpes encephalitis or other severe viral infections.

If brain function is severely affected, interventions like physical therapy and speech therapy may be necessary after the acute illness is controlled.