WHAT IS ENCEPHALITIS AND WHAT CAUSES IT?
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. It is usually caused by a viral infection.
Most cases of encephalitis are caused by the virus directly infecting the brain. However, sometimes encephalitis can develop if your immune system tries to fight off a virus and, at the same time, attacks the nerves in your brain in error. This is known as post-infectious or autoimmune encephalitis. Rarely, this type of encephalitis can develop after an immunization.
Very rarely, infection with germs (bacteria, fungi and parasites) can cause encephalitis.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN ENCEPHALITIS AND MENINGITIS?
Encephalitis and meningitis are not the same. Meningitis is an inflammation of the lining that covers the brain and spinal cord (the meninges). It is usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Sometimes you can have both encephalitis and meningitis at the same time. This is called meningoencephalitis.
WHO GETS ENCEPHALITIS?
Encephalitis is not very common. Anyone can develop encephalitis. However, the very young and the very old are most at risk.
You are also more likely to develop encephalitis if your immune system is compromised in some way.
WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ENCEPHALITIS?
The symptoms usually start with the common symptoms of a viral infection.
As the infection starts to attack the brain, people may start to notice that your behaviour becomes odd.
You can become confused and drowsy and can develop a severe headache. You may develop a stiff neck and back and an intolerance of light (photophobia). Muscle weakness or paralysis can occur. Eventually you can become unconscious. You may also start to have seizures (fits). Symptoms can develop quite quickly over a few hours or sometimes they can develop over a few days.
HOW IS ENCEPHALITIS DIAGNOSED?
Encephalitis can be difficult to diagnose. This is because other things such as meningitis, stroke and sometimes brain tumours can cause similar symptoms. Therefore, you may have various tests before encephalitis can be diagnosed. These are:
- Computerised Tomography (CT) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
- Lumbar Puncture: A lumbar puncture (sometimes called a spinal tap) is a procedure where a sample of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is taken for testing. To obtain some CSF, a doctor pushes a needle through the skin and tissues between two vertebrae into the space around the spinal cord, which is filled with CSF.
- Electroencephalograph (EEG): The EEG test looks at your brainwaves and can show abnormal brainwaves that occur if you have encephalitis. Several small patches (electrodes) are attached to your scalp. Wires from the electrodes are connected to the EEG machine.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR ENCEPHALITIS?
Someone with suspected encephalitis needs to be admitted to hospital urgently. Encephalitis treatment in Hyderabad begins with antiviral medication is usually prescribed if encephalitis is suspected.
Antibiotics may also be given initially. This is because, without test results, it may be difficult to tell the difference between encephalitis and meningitis caused by germs (bacteria).
Other treatments for encephalitis are what doctors call 'supportive' treatments to help your body to rest and try to fight the infection. It can include:
- Fluids given via a vein (intravenous fluids).
- Medicines to control any fits (seizures) that you may have.
- Medicines to help with high temperature (fever) and pain.
- Oxygen given via a face mask.
CAN ENCEPHALITIS BE PREVENTED?
Immunisation programmes against common childhood illnesses such as measles, mumps and rubella have helped dramatically to reduce the numbers of people who develop encephalitis.
Insect repellent sprays and wearing protective clothing, such as long sleeves, can also be helpful in preventing infection. A vaccine is also available against rabies.
WHY KIMS?
KIMS is the one of top neurology hospitals in Hyderabad dedicated to providing encephalitis treatment in Hyderabad with expert clinical care. We have established a multidisciplinary group of specialists in neuroinflammation and neuroinfectious disease, including the top neurologist in Hyderabad, neuro- critical care experts, infectious disease doctors, and laboratory pathologists to improve the diagnosis and treatment of patients with encephalitis.