Viral encephalitis history and symptoms: Difference between revisions
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'''Encephalitis''' is an [[Acute (medical)|acute]] [[inflammation]] of the [[brain]], commonly caused by a [[virus|viral]] [[infection]]. Sometimes, encephalitis can result from a [[bacteria]]l infection, such as bacterial [[meningitis]], or it may be a complication of other infectious diseases like [[rabies]] (viral) or [[syphilis]] (bacterial). Certain [[parasitic]] or [[protozoa]]l infestations, such as [[toxoplasmosis]], [[malaria]], or [[primary amoebic meningoencephalitis]], can also cause encephalitis in people with [[immune deficiency|compromised]] [[immune system]]s. Brain damage occurs as the inflamed brain pushes against the skull, and can lead to death. | '''Encephalitis''' is an [[Acute (medical)|acute]] [[inflammation]] of the [[brain]], commonly caused by a [[virus|viral]] [[infection]]. Sometimes, encephalitis can result from a [[bacteria]]l infection, such as bacterial [[meningitis]], or it may be a complication of other infectious diseases like [[rabies]] (viral) or [[syphilis]] (bacterial). Certain [[parasitic]] or [[protozoa]]l infestations, such as [[toxoplasmosis]], [[malaria]], or [[primary amoebic meningoencephalitis]], can also cause encephalitis in people with [[immune deficiency|compromised]] [[immune system]]s. Brain damage occurs as the inflamed brain pushes against the skull, and can lead to death. | ||
==History and symptoms== | ==History and symptoms== | ||
==What are the symptoms of Encephalitis?== | ==What are the symptoms of Encephalitis?== | ||
Some patients may have symptoms of a cold or stomach infection before encephalitis symptoms begin. | Some patients may have symptoms of a cold or stomach infection before encephalitis symptoms begin. | ||
Revision as of 22:00, 10 February 2012
For patient information, click here Template:Encephalitis Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Overview
Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain, commonly caused by a viral infection. Sometimes, encephalitis can result from a bacterial infection, such as bacterial meningitis, or it may be a complication of other infectious diseases like rabies (viral) or syphilis (bacterial). Certain parasitic or protozoal infestations, such as toxoplasmosis, malaria, or primary amoebic meningoencephalitis, can also cause encephalitis in people with compromised immune systems. Brain damage occurs as the inflamed brain pushes against the skull, and can lead to death.
History and symptoms
What are the symptoms of Encephalitis?
Some patients may have symptoms of a cold or stomach infection before encephalitis symptoms begin.
When a case of encephalitis is not very severe, the symptoms may be similar to those of other illnesses, including:
Other symptoms include:
- Clumsiness, unsteady gait
- Confusion, disorientation
- Drowsiness
- Irritability or poor temper control
- Light sensitivity
- Stiff neck and back (occasionally)
- Vomiting
Symptoms in newborns and younger infants may not be as easy to recognize:
- Body stiffness
- Irritability and crying more often (these symptoms may get worse when the baby is picked up)
- Poor feeding
- Soft spot on the top of the head may bulge out more
- Vomiting
Emergency symptoms:
- Loss of consciousness, poor responsiveness, stupor, coma
- Muscle weakness or paralysis
- Seizures
- Severe headache
- Sudden change in mental functions:
- "Flat" mood, lack of mood, or mood that is inappropriate for the situation
- Impaired judgment
- Inflexibility, extreme self-centeredness, inability to make a decision, or withdrawal from social interaction
- Less interest in daily activities
- Memory loss (amnesia), impaired short-term or long-term memory