Viral encephalitis natural history, complications and prognosis

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Priyamvada Singh, MBBS [2]; Anthony Gallo, B.S. [3]

Overview

Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a viral infection. Its natural history, complications and prognosis depends on age of patient, immune status, type of organism and time to initiate medical therapy. Thus, depending on these factors it may present with complications like seizures, shock, cranial nerve palsy, and coma.

Complications

• Increase intracranial pressure
• Cranial nerve palsy
• Shock
• Coma
• Seizures
• Syndrome of inappropriate secretion of antidiuretic hormone (SIADH)
• Permanent brain damage may occur in severe cases of encephalitis and can affect, Hearing, Memory, Muscle control, Sensation, Speech , and Vision

Prognosis

The outcome varies. Some cases are mild and short, and the person fully recovers. Other cases are severe, and permanent impairment or death is possible. The acute phase normally lasts for 1 - 2 weeks. Fever and symptoms gradually or suddenly disappear. Some people may take several months to fully recover.