EncephalitisPronounced: En-sef-uh-light-iss Definition | Causes | Risk Factors | Symptoms | Diagnosis | Treatment | Prevention DefinitionEncephalitis is inflammation of the brain. The inflammation may involve the whole brain, or just parts of the brain. Encephalitis © 2009 Nucleus Medical Media, Inc. CausesViral infection of the central nervous system can be asymptomatic, present with mild symptoms, or cause meningitis and/or encephalitis. Most cases of encephalitis are caused by a viral infection. Encephalitis may be sporadic or epidemic. In the United States, the most common cause of sporadic encephalitis is the herpes simplex virus. Epidemic encephalitis are usually mosquito- or tick-borne, which may be dependant on the geography and season. The most common viruses that cause encephalitis include:
Risk FactorsA risk factor is something that increases your chance of getting a disease or condition. Risk factors for encephalitis include:
Newborns of mothers who have genital herpes simplex are at risk for herpes simplex encephalitis. SymptomsThe symptoms may range from mild, such as fever and headache, to severe, such as seizures, loss of consciousness, and permanent neurological damage. Death may also result. Symptoms include:
DiagnosisThe doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and do a physical exam. Tests may include:
TreatmentTreatment is mostly supportive. It may include:
PreventionMake sure that you and your children are vaccinated against preventable viral illnesses. RESOURCES:Encephalitis Information Resource National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Canadian Neurological Sciences Federation Health Canada REFERENCES:Cecil RL, Goldman L, Bennett JC. Cecil Textbook of Medicine. 21st ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2000. Conn HF, Rakel RE. Conn's Current Therapy 2001. 53rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: WB Saunders Company; 2001. Herpes simplex encephalitis. EBSCO Publishing DynaMed website. Available at: http://www.ebscohost.com/dynamed/. Updated December 2, 2007. Accessed February 23, 2008. Mandell GL, Bennett JE, Dolin R. Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases. 6th ed. New York, NY: Churchill Livingstone; 2004. Rosen P, Barkin RM, Danzl DF, et al. Emergency Medicine: Concepts and Clinical Practice. 4th ed. St. Louis, MO: Mosby-Year Book; 1999. Samuels MA, Feske SK. Office Practice of Neurology. Philadelphia, PA: Churchill Livingstone; 2003. Last reviewed October 2009 by Rimas Lukas, MD |