What is Encephalitis? What are the Causes of Encephalitis?
November 24, 2020 Brain Diseases 834 ViewsEncephalitis
Encephalitis is also known as acute viral encephalitis or aseptic encephalitis. It is defined as an inflammation in the brain resulting from a viral infection. More than 100 children died in Muzaffarpur and adjoining districts of Bihar due to encephalitis. It is a rare but serious disease, and most incidents occur in children between the ages of 1 and 10. In this article, you will get information about encephalitis, its causes, symptoms, and treatment.
- What is Encephalitis?
- What are the Causes of Encephalitis?
- What are the Symptoms of Encephalitis?
- What are the Treatments for Encephalitis?
- How to Prevent Encephalitis?
What is Encephalitis?
Most of the cases of encephalitis occur in children, the elderly, and people with a weak immune system from HIV/AIDS, cancer, etc. In this, brain inflammation occurs due to an infection or an attack on the brain by the immune system. Encephalitis or acute encephalitis syndrome (AES) commonly affects the central nervous system of children and young adults. It is characterized by a rapid onset of fever, then interrupts the neurological functions causing mental disorder, seizures, confusion, etc.
What are the Causes of Encephalitis?
- It is caused by inflammation in brain tissue.
- The main cause of acute encephalitis is believed to be a viral infection. Some of these viruses are herpes virus, enterovirus, West Nile, Japanese encephalitis, Eastern equine virus, tick-borne virus.
- Encephalitis also spreads by bacteria, fungi, parasites, chemicals, toxins. In India, the Japanese virus is believed to be the main cause of acute encephalitis syndrome. Apart from this, Nipah and Zika virus can also cause encephalitis.
What are the Symptoms of Encephalitis?
The following are the symptoms of encephalitis.
- Changes in children’s behavior
- Difficulty in speaking and listening
- Nightmares
- Lethargy
- Memory loss
- High fever
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Irritability from light
- Confusion
- Neck and back pain
- Nausea
- In severe cases, paralysis, and coma
What are the Treatments for Encephalitis?
The doctor gives various suggestions for treating encephalitis.
- Children suffering from encephalitis or AES need care in an ICU hospital to avoid further complications.
- Doctors regularly monitor their blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and body fluids to prevent further inflammation of the brain.
- Patients can also treat some form of encephalitis by taking antiviral drugs.
- Corticosteroids are also given to reduce inflammation in the brain.
- Anticonvulsants may be given to a child with seizures.
- Over the counter (OTC) medications, like acetaminophen, can help with fever and headaches.
How to Prevent Encephalitis?
- Always get your child vaccinated against encephalitis.
- Protect them from mosquitoes and do not expose any part of the body. Wash hands thoroughly before and after eating.
- Provide them a nutritious diet as malnourished children are at a higher risk of encephalitis.
If you want more information and treatment about encephalitis, then consult a General Physician.
Best General Physician in Delhi
Best General Physician in Mumbai
