Encephalitis

Encephalitis is a medical emergency and refers to inflammation of the brain tissue. We look at the causes, symptoms and treatment.

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What is encephalitis?

Encephalitis is a medical emergency and refers to inflammation of the brain tissue; this can also involve the membranes of the brain.

What causes encephalitis?

Encephalitis is usually due to an infection caused by a virus, a bacteria or fungi.

A number of viruses are known to cause this disease, including measles, rubella, chickenpox, herpes, simplex and zoster (cold sore and chickenpox viruses), mumps, etc.

Bacterial infection (staphylococci), syphilis and HIV can also be a cause, but this is rare.

It's not always possible to identify the type of infection from the symptoms or examination. Further tests are necessary to establish this.

However, it is not always possible to do this in about half of all cases.

What are the symptoms?

  • Headache, often severe.
  • Stiffness of the neck.
  • Fever.
  • Nausea and vomiting.
  • Confusion and changes in mental state, becoming drowsy.
  • Fits.
  • In rare cases, convulsion or paralysis of the arms and legs.
  • Photophobia (dislike of bright light).
  • Hallucinations, changes in personality and behaviour.

    If someone with flu-like symptoms becomes confused, you should seek emergency medical advice.

    How does the doctor make a diagnosis?

    If encephalitis is suspected, the following examinations and tests are usually performed:

      How is encephalitis treated?

      The patient should be hospitalised immediately and given antiviral or antibacterial (antibiotic) medicine.

      These are most often given by intramuscular or intravenous injections.

      Medicines to relieve symptoms, such as headaches or post encephalitic fits, will also be given.

      Other people also read:

      Measles: what are the symptoms of measles?

      Chickenpox: which complications might arise?

      Herpes: we look at the possible outcomes.

      Based on a text by Dr Per Rochat, Claus Madsen

      Last updated

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