overview
- Encephalitis (en-sef-uh-LIE-tis) is inflammation of the brain. There are several causes, but the most common is a viral infection.
- Encephalitis often causes only mild flu-like signs and symptoms – such as a fever or headache – or no symptoms at all. Sometimes the flu-like symptoms are more severe. Encephalitis can also lead to confused thinking, seizures, or movement or sensory problems such as vision or hearing.
- In some cases, encephalitis can be life threatening. Timely diagnosis and treatment are important as it is difficult to predict how encephalitis will affect everyone. Encephalitis Treatment in Hyderabad
symptom
- Normal or abnormal weak spots (fontanelles) on a baby’s skull
Domed fontanelle Open the popup dialog
Most people with viral encephalitis have mild flu-like symptoms such as: - a headache
fever
Muscle or joint pain
Tiredness or weakness
Sometimes the signs and symptoms are more severe and can include: - Confusion, excitement, or hallucinations
Seizures
Loss of sensation or paralysis in certain areas of the face or body
Muscle weakness
Speech or hearing problems
The reasons
The exact cause of encephalitis is often unknown. However, if a cause is known, the most common is a viral infection. Bacterial infections and non-infectious inflammatory conditions can also cause encephalitis.
There are two main types of encephalitis:
Primary encephalitis. This condition occurs when a virus or other agent directly infects the brain. The infection can be concentrated in one area or generalized. A primary infection can be the reactivation of an inactive virus after a previous illness.
Secondary encephalitis. This condition results from the immune system’s incorrect response to infection elsewhere in the body. Instead of just attacking the cells that are causing the infection, the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain cells as well. Secondary encephalitis, also known as post-infection encephalitis, often occurs two to three weeks after the initial infection. Encephalitis Treatment in Hyderabad
Risk factors
Anyone can develop encephalitis. Factors that can increase your risk include:
Age. Some types of encephalitis are more common or severe in certain age groups. In general, young children and older adults are at greater risk of developing most types of viral encephalitis.
Weakened immune systems: People with HIV / AIDS who take immunosuppressive drugs or have any other illness that causes a weakened immune system are at increased risk of encephalitis.
Geographic regions. Viruses carried by mosquitoes or ticks are common in some geographic areas.
Season. Mosquito and tick-borne diseases are more common in many parts of the United States during the summer.
prevention
The best way to prevent viral encephalitis is to take precautions to avoid exposure to viruses that can cause the disease. To attempt:
- Practice good hygiene. Wash your hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, especially after using the toilet and before and after meals.
- Don’t share utensils. Do not share dishes or drinks.
- Teach your children good habits. Make sure they practice good hygiene and avoid sharing utensils at home and at school.
- To be vaccinated. Keep your own and your children’s vaccinations updated. Before you travel, discuss recommended vaccines for various destinations with your doctor. Encephalitis Treatment in Hyderabad
