Encephalitis

Encephalitis means inflammation of the brain. It differs from meningitis which is inflammation of the meninges (the layers which cover the brain). It is very rare. There are approximately 7 times as many cases of meningitis reported as encephalitis. Encephalitis can occur at any age in any part of the world and is usually the result of a viral infection.

There are many types of encephalitis, most of which are caused by a viral infection. Symptoms include sudden fever, headache, vomiting, photophobia (abnormal visual sensitivity to light), stiff neck and back, confusion, drowsiness, clumsiness, unsteady gait, and irritability. Symptoms that require emergency treatment include loss of consciousness, poor responsiveness, seizures, muscle weakness, sudden severe dementia, memory loss, withdrawal from social interaction, and impaired judgement.

Symptoms usually appear within a week or two of the original infection which can be a flu-like illness or apparent gastro-intestinal upset. The symptoms which set encephalitis apart usually include “altered consciousness” due to the direct involvement of the brain. These symptoms include confusion and drowsiness and are followed in severe cases by seizures and coma.

Antiviral medications may be prescribed for herpes encephalitis or other severe viral infections. Antibiotics may be prescribed for bacterial infections. Anticonvulsants are used to prevent or treat seizures. Corticosteriods are used to reduce brain swelling and inflammation. Sedatives may be needed for irritability or restlessness. Over-the-counter medications may be used for fever and headache. Individuals with encephalitis or bacterial meningitis are usually hospitalised for treatment.

Viral encephalitis has an incidence of seven per 100,000. The prevalence of long-term disability due to encephalitis and meningitis is not known.

Encephalitis Information Resource

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