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Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. The usual cause is a viral infection, but bacteria can also cause it. Cases can range from mild to severe. For mild cases, you could have flu-like symptoms. Serious cases can cause
For mild cases, you may just need rest, plenty of fluids and a pain reliever. For severe cases, you might need to be hospitalized. Fortunately, encephalitis is uncommon in the United States.
National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke
'''Encephalitis''' is an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a virus infection. Victims are usually exposed to viruses resulting in encephalitis by insect bites or food and drink. The most frequently encountered agents are arboviruses (carried by mosquitoes or ticks) and enteroviruses (coxsackievirus, poliovirus and echovirus). Some of the less frequent agents are measles, rabies, mumps, varicella and herpes simplex viruses. Patients with encephalitis suffer from fever, headache, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness and photophobia. The symptoms of encephalitis are caused by the brain's defense mechanisms activating to get rid of infection (brain swelling, small bleedings and cell death). Neurologic examination usually reveals a stiff neck due to the irritation of the meninges covering the brain. Examination of the cerebrospinal fluid obtained by a lumbar puncture procedure reveals increased amounts of proteins and white blood cells with normal glucose. A CT scan examination is performed to reveal possible complications of brain swelling, brain abscess or bleeding. Lumbar puncture procedure is performed only after the possibility of a prominent brain swelling is excluded by a CT scan examination. Treatment is usually symptomatic. Reliably tested specific antiviral agents are available only for a few viral agents (e.g. aciclovir for herpes encephalitis) and are used with limited success. Encephalitis lethargica is an atypical form of encephalitis which caused an epidemic from 1917 to 1928. There have only been a small number of isolated cases since, though in recent years a few patients have shown very similar symptoms. The cause is now thought to be a bacterial agent. As depicted in the book ''Awakenings'' by doctor Oliver Sacks, which was made into the film starring Robin Williams and Robert De Niro, the disease sometimes caused catatonia ... [ Read More ]
Scientific Consultant Services, Inc. - Site focuses on original, survey-based research regarding effectiveness of various treatments and classification of symptom patterns in chronic fatigue syndrome, myalgic encephalitis, and fibromyalgia. Visitors may respond to various surveys, thus contributing to knowledge of the condition.
AIDS Dementia Complex - A comprehensive guide to this condition called ADC, dementia, sub acute encephalitis or HIV encephalitis from AEGIS.
Encephalitis and Meningitis - Information page compiled by NINDS, the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke.
Encephalitis Global - Support for survivors, family and caregivers. Information about this disease, discussions, a chat room and international friendship between people who have been touched, and are striving to understand.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis - A report of five cases of this disease in Florida, Eastern United States, in 1991.
Encephalitis Resource Centre - A comprehensive site for information about all aspects of encephalitis. The site is managed by the Encephalitis Society based in the UK.
Eastern Equine Encephalitis Facts - Includes cause, symptoms, diagnosis, risk facotrs, prognosis, treatment, and prevention.
Encephalitis Support Group - A Yahoo! Group supporting families affected with this disorder.
Japanese Encephalitis Facts - Fact sheet with causes, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.
LaCrosse Encephalitis Facts - Cause, symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.