Encephalitis
An uncommon but severe condition where the brain becomes swollen is encephalitis. It can sometimes be life-threatening and requires urgent treatment.
Symptoms
Most people with encephalitis experience mild flu-like symptoms, such as:
- Headache
- Fever
- Stiff neck
- Fatigue or weakness
- Aches in muscles or joints
Sometimes the signs are more extreme and might include the following:
- Confusion or agitation
- Seizures
- Hallucinations
- Muscle weakness
- Loss of sensation in the face or body
- Problems with speech or hearing
- Loss of consciousness
In infants and young children, signs might also include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Body stiffness
- Bulging in an infant’s skull
- Poor feeding or not waking for a feeding
- Irritability
Causes
It’s always unclear what makes encephalitis, but the following can be one of the causes:
- Viral infections – very rarely, caused by common viruses like cold sores or chickenpox spreading to the brain
- A problem with the body’s defense against infection (immune system) – sometimes malfunctioning attacks the brain, causing inflammation
- Fungal or bacterial infections – these are much rarer than viral infections
Mosquitoes, ticks, and mammals can spread certain encephalitis.
Treatments
Encephalitis needs hospital treatment. The earlier treatment begins, the more successful the chances.
Treatment relies on the underlying cause but may include:
- Steroid injections
- Antiviral medicines
- Antibiotics or antifungal medicines
- Painkillers to reduce pain or a high temperature
- Medication to control seizures or fits
- Breathing support, like oxygen supply through a face mask or a breathing machine (ventilator)
Reviewed by – Dr. Priyanka, MBBS MD
Page last reviewed: 04 October 2022