Encephalitis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

Encephalitis is a viral infection of the brain. Left untreated, the resulting inflammation can lead to brain damage, coma, and death. However, the majority of victims recover completely.

Causes

Encephalitis is caused either by an actual viral attack on the brain, or occasionally by a reaction to viral proteins, such as those found in vaccines. The disease may develop as a result of viral infection of the brain alone, or as a complication of a more widespread viral infection such as measles, mumps, German measles, chickenpox, or herpes. Some forms of encephalitis are mosquito-borne and afflict people only during warm weather. If the disease is triggered by a virus such as chickenpox, it usually surfaces five to ten days after the onset of the original illness. Chances of this happening are, however, rare. For instance, the odds of encephalitis setting in after a case of chickenpox are less than 1 in 1,000.

Signs/Symptoms

Early warning signs may include fever, drowsiness, headache, seizures, extreme fatigue, vomiting, a stiff neck, and a generally ill feeling. Because encephalitis disrupts normal brain functions, a person suffering from this disorder is also likely to exhibit behavioral changes such as irritability and confusion. The victim may also suffer from muscle weakness, loss of speech, loss of sight, or an intolerance to light (photophobia). Mild cases, on the other hand, may cause little more than mild fever and malaise.

Care

A diagnosis of encephalitis is met with antiviral medications that inhibit viral reproduction If severe swelling occurs in the brain, steroids and other drugs may be prescribed to quell it. The doctor will also guard against dehydration and any resulting mineral imbalance (although it's also important to avoid taking in too much water).

Because encephalitis produces symptoms very similar to those of other serious brain disorders such as bacterial meningitis, you'll probably undergo a battery of diagnostic tests while the doctor rules out other causes (See “If You're Heading For The Hospital...”)

Risks

It's important to get treatment as quickly as possible. The illness responds best before coma sets in. Infants are most liable to sustain permanent brain damage; adults face the least risk.

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

THIS IS A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. If you suspect encephalitis, call 911 or 0 (operator) to get to the nearest hospital or clinic. Do not drive yourself!

IF YOU'RE HEADING FOR THE HOSPITAL...

What to Expect While You're There

You may encounter the following procedures and equipment during your stay:

• Vital Signs: These include your temperature, pulse, blood pressure, and respiration. A stethoscope is used to listen to your heart and lungs. Your blood pressure is taken by wrapping a cuff around your arm. These tests may be performed hourly.
• IV: A tube placed in your vein for giving medications or liquids. It will either be capped or have tubing connected to it.
• CT Scan: Computerized axial tomography, also know as a CAT scan or CT scan, takes a picture of the brain and helps doctors rule out other problems, such as stroke, aneurysm, tumor, or abscess.
• MRI: Magnetic Resonance Imaging offers another way of viewing the brain. For this procedure, you will lie on a narrow bed that slides into the scanner.
• Spinal Tap: To obtain a sample of the fluid that bathes the brain and spine, a small, hollow needle is inserted into the lower part of the spinal canal. The sample is analyzed to rule out the presence of bacteria.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): This is a procedure which measures the electrical activity of the brain through tiny wires (electrodes) placed on your head with paste.
• Pulse Oximeter: This is a clip placed on your ear, finger, or toe and connected to a machine that measures the oxygen in your blood.
• Neuro Signs: To assess your brain function, the doctor will check your eyes, test your memory, and see how easily you awaken.
• Blood: Taken from a vein in your hand or the bend in your elbow to be used for testing. The amount of oxygen and other gases in the blood will also be evaluated, so additional samples may be drawn from the wrist, elbow, or groin.

After You Leave

• Get plenty of bed rest. Do not resume your normal activities until you feel up to them. This may take several weeks.
• Drink plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration.
• Take any prescribed medications exactly as directed.

Seek Care Immediately If...

• Seizures occur.
• Muscle weakness or paralysis develops.
• The victim loses contact with reality.

Return to top