Encephalitis is inflammation of
the brain
. Encephalitis is most commonly caused by a virus. Headache, stiff neck, and sensitivity to light are common symptoms.
What organ is inflamed in the condition encephalitis?
Encephalitis is an uncommon but serious condition in which
the brain
becomes inflamed (swollen). It can be life threatening and requires urgent treatment in hospital. Anyone can be affected, but the very young and very old are most at risk.
Where is encephalitis most commonly found?
Encephalitis is an inflammation of
the brain
that is often caused by a viral infection. Arboviruses can cause encephalitis. Arboviruses are passed on to people and animals by insects. In rural areas, mosquitoes and ticks are the most common carriers.
What part of the brain does encephalitis affect?
Common viruses
This form of encephalitis usually affects
the temporal lobe
, the part of the brain that controls memory and speech. It can also affect the frontal lobe, the part that controls emotions and behavior. Encephalitis caused by herpes is dangerous and can lead to severe brain damage and death.
Is encephalitis inflammation of the meninges?
Inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord, is called meningitis;
inflammation of the brain itself is called encephalitis
. Myelitis refers to inflammation of the spinal cord.
What triggers encephalitis?
Encephalitis is most often due to a virus, such as:
herpes simplex viruses
, which cause cold sores and genital herpes (this is the most common cause of encephalitis) the varicella zoster virus, which causes chickenpox and shingles. measles, mumps and rubella viruses.
What is the survival rate of encephalitis?
Mild cases of encephalitis are usually short and result in a full recovery. However, despite improvements in diagnosis and treatment, encephalitis still leads to
death in about 10% of patients
.
Can you fully recover from encephalitis?
Recovering from encephalitis can be a long, slow and difficult process.
Many people will never make a full recovery
. Specialised services are available to aid recovery and help the person adapt to any persistent problems – this is known as rehabilitation.
What is the best treatment for encephalitis?
Antiviral drugs,
such as intravenous acyclovir
, are often given when encephalitis is initially diagnosed, even before the cause is known. Acyclovir is the best treatment for herpes simplex encephalitis. If the drug can be started soon after symptoms begin, the chance of full recovery is much better.
What animal carries encephalitis?
What animals get Japanese encephalitis? The Japanese encephalitis virus causes disease in
horses, donkeys, and pigs
. Other animals can be infected, but typically do not show signs of illness, these include cattle, sheep, goats, dogs, cats, wild mammals, reptiles, amphibians, and birds.
How fast does encephalitis progress?
The severity of viral encephalitis depends on the particular virus and how quickly treatment was given. Generally, the acute phase of the illness lasts
around one or two weeks
, and the symptoms either disappear quickly or subside slowly over a period of time. In many cases, the person makes a full recovery.
What does a brain infection feel like?
headache
– which is often severe, located in a single section of the head and cannot be relieved with painkillers. changes in mental state – such as confusion or irritability. problems with nerve function – such as muscle weakness, slurred speech or paralysis on one side of the body. a high temperature.
Which is worse meningitis or encephalitis?
Bacterial meningitis and
viral encephalitis
may be rapidly fatal, even in healthy persons. Survivors may suffer lasting neurological sequelae, including memory loss and seizures. Viral meningitis, by contrast, gives patients a bad headache and a stiff neck, but uneventful recovery is the rule.
Some people experience longer-term effects of encephalitis. Longer-term symptoms can include
physical problems, memory problems, personality changes, speech problems, and epilepsy
.
What is difference between meningitis and encephalitis?
Meningitis is an infection of the meninges, the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain itself. Anyone can get encephalitis or meningitis. Causes of encephalitis and meningitis include viruses, bacteria, fungus, and parasites.
How long is treatment for encephalitis?
It's treated in hospital – usually in an intensive care unit (ICU), which is for people who are very ill and need extra care. How long someone with encephalitis needs to stay in hospital can range from
a few days to several weeks or even months.
