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What is Encephalitis?
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, which occurs as a reaction to a viral or bacterial infection. Acute encephalitis is most commonly caused by a viral infection. Encephalitis should not be confused with meningitis, an inflammation of the meninges (the membrane that surrounds the brain) although the two often coexist.
There are two main types of encephalitis
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Primary encephalitis – caused by a direct viral attack on the brain and spinal cord
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Secondary encephalitis – caused by a reaction to a viral attack elsewhere in the body
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What are the symptoms of Encephalitis?
The first signs of encephalitis are usually flu-like illness, headache and, particularly in infants, vomiting. As the illness increases in severity the symptoms may progress to drowsiness, lethargy, confusion, neck and, in infants, body stiffness, sensitivity to bright lights and other sensory changes. The initial signs to be aware of in a child are, as stated above, body stiffness and vomiting, but also constant crying.
In the most serious cases there may be seizures, uncharacteristic behaviour, loss of control over movement and other bodily functions, speech problems, loss of consciousness and coma. Even if the encephalitis can be treated, some loss of brain function should be expected, and so some of the above mentioned symptoms may remain, such as recurring headaches and personality changes.
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How can encephalitis be treated?
Bacterial encephalitis can be treated with antibiotics; while as the more common viral encephalitis is usually treated with the antiviral drugs, particularly acyclovir. These drugs tend to treat the actual viral or bacterial infection. However there are a range of other treatments used to treat the consequential effects of Encephalitis. Antic-convulsants are used to treat seizures; steroids may be used to help reduce the brain swelling. Time in hospital may be needed for those with serious symptoms.
Those left with serious brain damage after acute encephalitis will require additional treatment even after the illness is under control. They may require physiotherapy, speech and language therapy and other rehabilitative therapies to enable them regain control over their bodily functions and movement.
However, “prevention is better than cure” as the saying goes. The best way to prevent getting encephalitis is to prevent the risk of catching any of the illnesses that can cause it. Therefore, it is wise to ensure you are immunised against virus-realted illnesses such as polio, pneumonia, influenza and meningitis. Although brain inflammation is not in itself contagious, the viruses that cause it may be. These viruses can be transmitted through close contact, such as kissing, or sneezing. Therefore it is wise to avoid close contact with someone who has recently been affected by encephalitis or has been seriously ill with any virus-related illnesses.
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Who is at risk?
Those with weakened immune systems and those at the extremes of age (i.e. the very old and children) are most at risk of being affected by encephalitis; however anyone can be affected by this illness. It appears that stress may be a contributory factor, as stress can weaken the immune system, thus leaving the individual more at risk.
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Other useful information
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