Description:
Encephalitis literally means inflammation of the brain, but usually refers to brain inflammation caused by a virus. Encephalitis is a rare disease that occurs inapproximately 0.5 per 100,000 people - most often in children, the elderly, andpersons with weakened immune systems (for example, people with HIV / AIDS orcancer).
Although several thousand cases of encephalitis (also called viral encephalitis oracute aseptic encephalitis) are reported, experts suspect that more may go unreported because the symptoms are very mild.
Signs and Symptoms:
Mild symptoms in cases of encephalitis usually include:
- fever
- headache
- poor appetite
- fatigue
- feelings
- severe headache
- nausea and vomiting
- stiff neck
- confusion
- disorientation
- personality changes
- seizures
- hallucinations
- drowsiness
- coma
Treatment:
Children who suffer from mild encephalitis can be treated at home, but most willrequire treatment in hospital, usually in the intensive care unit. Your doctor will carefullymonitor their blood pressure, heart rate, and respiration, as well as their body fluids,to prevent further brain swelling.