Encephalitis
Inflammation of brain.
·
Commonly diagnosed
cause is viral infection
·
Bacteria , fungi and parasites
·
Common viral causes of encephalitis include Herpes simplex
virus , epstein barr virus, varicella zoster virus , enteroviruses, arboviruses
Arthropod borne viruses, tick borne viruses and rabies viruses
Types of
encephalitis
- · Infectious encephalitis: viral encephalitis may develop during or after infection with any of several viral illnesses including influenza, herpes simplex, measles, mumps, rubella, rabies, and chickenpox.
- Post infectious encephalitis: this can
occur many days, weeks, or sometimes months after the initial infection e.g.
Previous infection/vaccine.
- Autoimmune encephalitis
- Japanese encephalitis: is a viral infection that is spread by mosquitoes. The condition occurs throughout south asia, the far east and pacific islands.
- Chronic encephalitis: the
inflammation develops slowly over many months; it can be a result of a
condition such as HIV
Clinical
manifestations
·
It begins with flu like symptoms
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High temperature
·
Severe headache
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Nausea and vomiting
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After initial stage , more severe symptoms develop
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Changes in mental state- confusion, drowsiness/
disorientation
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Seizures
·
Loss of consciousness
·
Photophobia
Diagnostic
evaluation
·
CT and MRI scan
·
Brain biopsy
·
Culture of CSF, blood.
·
Lumbar puncture and CSF examination
·
Serology tests (test that detect antibodies to a virus)
Management
·
The goals of treatment are to provide supportive care (rest,
nutrition , fluids) to help the body to fight infection and to relieve symptoms
·
Reorientation and emotional support for confused or delirious
people may be helpful
·
Anti-inflammatory drugs — such as acetaminophen, ibrufen are administered
to relieve headache and fever.
·
Antiviral medications — acyclovir — to treat herpes
encephalitis or other severe viral infections 
·
Autoimmune encephalitis — can be treated with corticosteroids
, immunoglobulin therapy and plasmapheresis 
·
Cyclosporine is a widely used immunosuppressant in the
treatment of autoimmune encephalitis
Supportive
care
·
Breathing assistance
·
Intravenous fluids
·
Anti inflammatory drugs — corticosteroids , help to reduce
swelling and pressure within the skull
·
Anticonvulsant — such as phenytoin to stop or prevent
seizures.
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