Encephalitis

Encephalitis is an infection or inflammation of the brain that is potentially fatal. It is rare, and usually when it does occur is a result of several different viral factors. This brain infection comes in two basic forms. There is:

Primary Form which is a viral infection that directly involves the brain and also the spinal cord.

Secondary Form means that you have had a viral infection some place else within the body that has traveled to the brain.

It is best to see your doctor if you have any of the following symptomatology for encephalitis:

Feeling lethargic and drowsy

Confusion and being disoriented

Severe onset of a headache that won't go away

Nausea and vomiting

High Fever

Neck is feeling stiff

Infants may bulge in the head on their soft spots

If a person is having trouble staying conscious and is delirious, this is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospital care.

Why would you get this brain infection?

Mostly, the cause is a viral one. It can be contracted through mosquitoes, rabies, and also ticks for one thing. Lume Disease is often a cause for this happening.

If the infection is secondary, then an infection in a different body part is what can travel up to the brain. This happens on people that have an immune system that is very weak.



Other causes include:

Herpes Simplex Virus The herpes simplex virus can come in either cold sores or fever blisters, and the Herpes Simplex 2 causes genital herpes.

The Varicella-Zoster Virus comes from having the chicken pox and shingles as well.

Epstein-Barr Virus is what is responsible for causing mononucleosis.

Infections Children Have

The measles, mumps, and also Rubella may or may not bring on encephalitis.

Viruses that are carried by mosquitoes known as arboviruses can be carriers for encephalitis. This is because organisms will transport disease from one host to another which are called vectors.

The Risk Factors

Some types of this brain infection are more common with children or older adults.

Anyone that has a weak immune system due to AIDS or HIV, or being treated for cancer with chemotherapy.

If you live in a climate that carries the infection for mosquito viruses.

Working outside in an area that is geographically prone to mosquito viruses be aware. Birds are also known to carry the virus.

Time of year can have everything to do with contracting this infection. In the summer months, mosquitoes are much more active in many of the states.

Diagnosis

One of the ways to find out if you have this brain infection is through a spinal tap. A needle will be put into your lower spine and the fluid examined. This often reveals infection.

An EEG can also detect the brain's electrical activity and seizure problems, which can happen in a brain infection.

Brain imaging can be done which may tell doctors about the levels of swelling on the brain.

Brain biopsy is only done as a last resort. Doctors remove a tissue sample of brain matter for examination to see if the virus is present or not.

Blood testing can tell the doctor whether or not you are having the West Nile Virus, often responsible for this brain infection. They will look for a rising level of antibodies present.

Treatment

Treatment is often bedrest and eating well with a high volume of liquids. Tylenol will often reduce fevers, and drugs that are anti-inflammatory will take down the swelling in the brain. Medicines for seizures may also be given if they are presenting a problem.