Encephalitis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment


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Home \| General Health \| Brain Health Encephalitis: Causes, Symptoms And Treatment By: Aneesh Natarajan Encephalitis is the inflammation of brain, but this inflammation is caused by a virus. This is life threatening disease and very uncommon that is why you need to immediately seek medical attention once you find out that you are suffering from Encephalitis Symptoms. Encephalitis is also known as a viral infection that is caused by mosquito borne or a tick borne virus. People with whole or in part immune system can developed parasitic protozoal infestations like toxaplasma that can lead to encephalitis. The inflamed brain will push against the skull and this can lead to brain damage or death of the patient. Encephalitis is a serious disease within the membrane which enclosed the brain as well as the spinal cord. There is also viral meningitis that is also known as aseptic meningitis, but is not caused by a bacterial infection. The use of antibiotic will not cure this disease. The signs and symptoms of encephalitis are the same for adults and children. Signs and symptoms may last for 2-3 weeks, are flu like, and can include 1 or more of the following: • Fever • Fatigue • Sore throat • Stiff neck and back • Vomiting • Headache • Confusion • Irritability • Unsteady gait • Drowsiness • Visual sensitivity to light Most severe cases may involve these signs and symptoms: • Seizures • Muscle weakness • Paralysis • Memory loss • Sudden impaired judgment • Poor responsiveness Encephalitis symptoms are caused by different kinds of germs and the infection can multiply in different ways. One of the most familiar causes of Encephalitis is the herpes simplex virus. This is the same virus that triggers development of other disease like mumps, chickenpox, measles, cold sores, but once this virus attack your brain, then the grain will swell. Combination of several infections as well as immune response can lead to common symptoms of Encephalitis. The most fatal risk of Encephalitis is brain damage. Encephalitis is also a complication of the Lyme disease that is moved by ticks or rabies that is spread by rabid animals. Treatment of encephalitis varies depending on the type of encephalitis, your age, and other factors. General treatment of all forms of encephalitis includes easing symptoms and keeping your body well hydrated so you can keep your body strong and get the rest you need to recover. Treatment includes: • Acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) and other medications as recommended to relieve headache, pain and fever. • Close monitoring and possibly treatment of people who have had close contact with a person with encephalitis, even if there are no symptoms. • Fluid administration by mouth or intravenously, if needed for dehydration. • Rest. A severe case of encephalitis is a medical emergency because it can rapidly result in permanent, serious complications and death within days. Hospitalization in an intensive care setting is generally required and treatment may include: • Anticonvulsants to prevent seizures. • Corticosteroids to reduce brain swelling. • Immediate administration of intravenous antibiotics if bacterial encephalitis is suspected. • Immediate administration of intravenous antiviral medications for viral encephalitis. • Life-support measures if necessary. • Sedatives to help a person rest and reduce restlessness and agitation, which will minimize increased pressure in the brain (intracranial pressure). Health Article Source: www.healthandwellnesscentral.com Aneesh Natarajan is an expert author of health and wellness articles. To see more health and wellness articles please visit his Health and Wellness Article site. You can reprint this articles with the author's resource box with the links intact. Please Rate this Article Not yet Rated Click the XML Icon Above to Receive Brain Health Articles Via RSS! Additional Articles From - Home \| General Health \| Brain Health How To Increase Your Brain Power No Matter Your Age - By : Luke C Wright The Common Signs And Symptoms Of Meningitis - By : Cheri Knowles Exercises That Could Stimulate And Keep Your Brain At The Top - By : Walker Derenzis How Students Can Improve Their Mental Capabilities - By : Mavic Herring Use for Optimum Brain Development - By : Jay Federichio	Sign Up free or Learn More Home Member Login Submit Articles Top Authors Most Popular Articles Submission Guidelines Ezine Notifications Article RSS Feeds Bookmark This Site! Hair Loss Specialists is a leading source of information for healthy ways to get hair transplantion, from Seattle to Florida!