Viral encephalitis
is a frightening condition that fortunately is comparatively rare---although many cases are so mild that patients don't even know they are experiencing the condition. There are several different causes of viral encephalitis, but no matter what the cause one thing is clear: If viral encephalitis becomes serious, it's very important to see a doctor right away so that they can stabilize the patient's condition. You can also help prevent viral encephalitis by reducing or eliminating its natural causes.
Identification
Encephalitis is defined as inflammation of the brain (as opposed to meningitis, which involves inflammation of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord). It is usually caused by a virus, although a severe bacterial or parasite infection, such as Lyme disease or toxoplasmosis, can also cause encephalitis. Some common viruses can cause encephalitis, such as the herpes simplex virus, varicella zoster (otherwise known as the virus that causes chicken pox), and the Epstein-Barr, or mononucleosis, virus. However, it's rare to develop encephalitis from any of these viruses. Many viruses that cause encephalitis are transmitted by mosquitoes or ticks, like the infamous West Nile virus.
Risk Factors
Certain factors increase your risk of getting encephalitis. If you live in an area where tick- or mosquito-borne illnesses are common, unsurprisingly you're more likely to catch a disease that will lead to encephalitis. The more time you spend outside, the more likely you are to encounter ticks or mosquitoes, especially in the summer. If you're immunocompromised, you're more likely to develop a severe form of encephalitis. Certain types of encephalitis appear more often in children and in older people.
Symptoms
Many cases of encephalitis are actually mild and flu-like. You might experience headache, joint pain, fever, exhaustion and headache. If the illness goes away at this point, you may never even know that you had encephalitis. More serious cases of encephalitis provoke symptoms such as hallucinations, double vision, personality changes, seizures, muscle weakness or paralysis, rash and trembling. Any of these symptoms indicate that it's time to get to a doctor---right away.
Treatment
Mild cases of encephalitis can be treated just like the flu---you need rest, fluids and painkillers like Tylenol. Doctors use anticonvulsant drugs to stop seizures in people with serious encephalitis, along with anti-inflammatory drugs to control brain swelling. If the encephalitis is caused by a virus, especially the herpes simplex or varicella zoster (chicken pox) virus, antiviral drugs may help stop encephalitis.
Complications
People who recover from severe encephalitis may find that the effects of the disease linger on. Memory and personality might be affected, and victims may feel tired and weak and have an unsteady gait. Depression can set in. Hearing, vision and speech can be affected as well. These effects can continue for a year or longer and some may be permanent in nature. Speech and physical therapy can help ease the effects of any complications.
Prevention
There are ways to protect yourself from encephalitis, especially if you protect yourself from mosquitoes. Repair screens in your home and get rid of any standing water around the house (mosquitoes breed in standing water). Cover your body when you go outside to prevent mosquito or tick bites and apply insect repellent. Some animals, such as ornamental fish and bats, serve as natural predators to any excess mosquitoes in the area.
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