ENCEPHALITIS

Encephalitis is inflammation of the active tissues of the brain caused by an infection or an autoimmune response. Encephalitis can affect anyone but the very young and very old are the ones at high risk.

CAUSES

Encephalitis can be caused by autoimmune conditions where the body's own immune response attack the brain tissues. It can also be caused by infections which can be viral, bacterial or fungal. Encephalitis cannot be transmitted from one person to another through any form of contact.

Viruses that can cause various infection which will predispose a person to get encephalitis include;

⦁ Herpes Simplex Virus

⦁ Epstein- Barr Virus

⦁ Varicella Zoster Virus

⦁ Poliovirus

⦁ Coxsackievirus

⦁ Mosquito- borne viruses such as West Nile, La Crosse, St. Louis, Western and Eastern equine encephalitis

⦁ Tick- borne viruses

⦁ Rabies virus

SYMPTOMS

Encephalitis can cause physical and neurological symptoms. Physical symptoms may include;

⦁ Fever

⦁ Headache

⦁ Joint Pain 

⦁ Stiff Neck

⦁ Muscle Weakness

⦁ Nausea

Some neurological symptoms may include;

⦁ Sensitivity to light

⦁ Confusion and disorientation

⦁ Psychosis

⦁ Memory loss

⦁ Cognitive impairment

⦁ Hallucinations 

⦁ Loss of consciousness

Healthcare professionals may take steps to diagnose brain infections. This may include;

⦁ Physical examination

⦁ Neurologic examination

⦁ Lab tests and imaging studies including blood tests, lumbar punture, CT Scan, MRI and MEG test.

TREATMENT

The treatment of encephalitis is effective depending on the cause and the severity of it. Some treaments include;

⦁ Antibiotics- used in the treatment of bacterial infections

⦁ Antiviral - used to treat viral infection.

⦁ Anticonvulsants - They are given to patients who are having seizures

⦁ Breathing Assistance - This includes supplementary oxygen, ventilation.

⦁ Immunodilators - These medications suppress immune system attacks.

⦁ IV Fluids- for hydration

⦁ Steroids - This reduce swelling and brain pressure.

PREVENTION

Encephalitis caused by infections can best be prevented by taking precautions to avoid exposure to viruses that can cause the disease; practice good hygiene and avoid sharing utensils.

You should also get vaccinated against infections that can lead to encephalitis. Example of such vaccinations include;

⦁ Measles, Mumps and Rubella (MMR)

⦁ Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine

⦁ Tick- borne encephalitis Vaccine

⦁ Rabies 

Today, the 22nd February 2023 marks world encephalitis day. This is to create the awareness of the disease and measures to put in place if you want to prevent it. Spread the news to your friends and loved ones.

The contents in this article were taken from these websites;

1. www.nhs.uk/conditions/encephalitis/

2. www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/conditions-and-diseases/encephalitis

3. my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/6058-encephalitis