Encephalitis - Types, Causes, Symptoms, Risks, Complications, Diagnosis, Treatment and Prevention

What is Encephalitis?

Encephalitis is a medical condition characterized by inflammation of the brain tissue, most often caused by viral infections. While it can start with mild flu-like symptoms, some cases can progress rapidly to more severe issues such as confusion, seizures, difficulty in movement, and changes in personality or consciousness. If left untreated, severe encephalitis can become life-threatening.

A variety of viruses can cause encephalitis, including herpes simplex virus (HSV), mosquito-borne viruses, tick-borne viruses, rabies virus, enteroviruses, and viruses responsible for mumps, rubella, and chickenpox. In some cases, encephalitis can also be triggered by bacterial infections or autoimmune reactions.

Though relatively rare, encephalitis requires timely diagnosis and intervention. Recovery is possible, especially with early treatment, but some individuals may experience lasting neurological effects. Those at higher risk include young children, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems.

Types of encephalitis

Encephalitis infection is of two types:

1. Primary encephalitis - In primary encephalitis, the bacteria or viral infection directly affects the brain. It may remain localized in one area or spread to nearby tissues. Sometimes, primary encephalitis results due to the reactivation of an inactive virus from previous infections.
2. Secondary encephalitis - Secondary encephalitis usually develops due to a malfunctioning immune system. Here the immune cells, instead of destroying the disease-causing pathogens, attack the healthy brain cells. This type of brain inflammation mostly develops two to three weeks after a primary infection.

Symptoms of Encephalitis

Encephalitis symptoms can range from mild to severe, and often begin with signs that resemble the flu. The condition can worsen rapidly, especially in children, the elderly, or individuals with weakened immune systems.

Mild Symptoms (Early Signs)

• Headache
• Fever
• Fatigue or general weakness
• Muscle and joint aches

Severe Symptoms (Require Immediate Medical Attention)

• Seizures
• Confusion, delirium, or hallucinations
• Agitation or personality changes
• Paralysis in parts of the face or body
• Muscle weakness or stiffness
• Trouble speaking or understanding speech
• Hearing difficulties
• Double vision or blurred vision
• Altered sense of smell (e.g., foul or burnt odor)
• Loss of consciousness or coma

Encephalitis Symptoms in Infants and Young Children

• Bulging fontanelle (soft spot on the baby’s head)
• Persistent or high-pitched crying
• Nausea and vomiting
• Body stiffness or inflexibility
• Irritability or unusual fussiness

When to See a Doctor

Seek immediate medical attention if you or your child experience:

• Severe headache
• Sudden confusion or altered mental status
• Seizures
• Loss of consciousness
• Symptoms of encephalitis in infants (especially bulging fontanelle or poor feeding)

Early diagnosis and treatment of encephalitis are crucial to prevent lasting neurological damage or life-threatening complications.

Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.

What causes encephalitis?

The exact cause of encephalitis is unknown to doctors in many cases. However, a viral infection is a common cause of this medical condition. In some rare instances, bacterial infections and non-infectious inflammatory diseases may also lead to encephalitis.

Common viral infections causing encephalitis

• Herpes simplex virus (HSV): Both HSV type 1 and HSV type 2 can lead to encephalitis. In HSV type 1 related encephalitis, patients may even suffer brain damage or death. However, the instances of these infections are rare.
• Other herpes viruses: Encephalitis can also result from Epstein-Barr virus (associated with infectious mononucleosis) and varicella-zoster infection virus (associated with chickenpox and shingles).
• Enteroviruses: Sometimes, patients develop encephalitis after poliovirus and coxsackievirus infection.
• Mosquito-borne viruses: There are chances of encephalitis after mosquito-borne viral infections like West Nile and La Crosse.
• Rabies virus: If infected dogs (carrying rabies virus) bite you, you can develop encephalitis.
• Childhood infections: Kids have a high risk of suffering from encephalitis after mumps, measles (rubeola), or German measles (rubella) infections.

What are the risk factors associated with encephalitis?

Certain groups of the population have a higher risk of developing encephalitis. They include:

• Age: Small babies, children, and older adults fall in the risk group for encephalitis.
• Weakened immune system: Patients having a compromised immune system (like AIDS patients) or taking  immune-suppressing medications for other issues have a high risk of developing encephalitis.
• Geographical area: People living in areas with a high incidence of mosquito or tick-borne viruses are susceptible to encephalitis.
• Seasonal variation: The risk of encephalitis may increase in summers due to the enhanced activity of mosquito and tick-borne viruses.

Can encephalitis lead to complications?

Encephalitis may lead to complications if you belong to a vulnerable age, have severe symptoms, or do not seek medical attention. Common complications include:

• Inflammation of the brain tissues, leading to coma or even death
• Paralysis
• Memory issues
• Persistent fatigue
• Problems with muscle coordination
• Vision and hearing impairments
• Challenges in speaking

Encephalitis Diagnosis

Diagnostic tests consist of the following:

• Brain Imaging: It is often the first test if symptoms suggest the possibility of encephalitis. The images may disclose swelling of the brain or any other condition that may be the root cause of the symptoms, such as a tumor. Technologies may include Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), which can produce detailed cross-sectional and 3-D images of the brain, or Computerized Tomography (CT) scan .
• Spinal Tap (Lumbar Puncture): During a spinal tap, the physician inserts a needle into the lower back to extract the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), the shielding fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal column. Any change in the fluid signifies an infection and inflammation in the brain.
• Other Lab Tests: Samples of blood or urine or secretions from the rear side of the throat can be tested for viruses or other infectious agents.
• Electroencephalogram (EEG): The doctor may order an EEG, a test in which sequences of electrodes are pinned to the scalp. The EEG records the electrical movement of the brain and any abnormality that is consistent with the diagnosis is recorded.
• Brain biopsy: Rarely, a process to extract a small sample of brain tissue is done if symptoms are aggravating and treatments are ineffective.

Encephalitis Treatment

Treatment for mild cases, which may be mistaken as the flu, mainly consists of:

• Complete bed rest
• Increased fluid intake
• Anti-inflammatory drugs such as Acetaminophen, Ibuprofen and Naproxen Sodium to reduce headaches and temperature

Supportive Care

Additional supportive care also is needed in the hospital for individuals with severe encephalitis. The care may include:

• Breathing assistance, constant monitoring of breathing and heart beat
• Intravenous fluids to ensure adequate hydration
• Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, to ease the swelling and pressure within the skull
• Anticonvulsant medications, such as phenytoin , to prevent seizures

Follow-up Therapy

After the initial sickness, it may be necessary to undergo additional therapy depending on the severity. Therapy includes:

• Physical therapy to improve strength and mobility
• Occupational therapy to build up everyday skills
• Speech therapy to relearn muscle control and regenerate speech
• Psychotherapy to gain knowledge of survival strategies and new behavioral skills

Preventive Measures Against Encephalitis

While encephalitis is not always preventable, taking proactive steps can significantly reduce your risk of exposure to the viruses or bacteria that cause it. Here's how:

1. Maintain Proper Hygiene

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water—especially before eating and after using the washroom.
• Encourage children to follow good hygiene practices both at home and outside.

2. Avoid Sharing Personal Items

• Do not share towels, combs, utensils, clothes, or other personal belongings that may carry infectious agents.

3. Stay Up to Date on Vaccinations

• Follow a vaccination schedule recommended by your doctor.
• Make sure you and your children are vaccinated against diseases known to cause encephalitis (like Japanese encephalitis, measles, mumps, rubella, etc.).
• If you're planning to travel internationally, consult your healthcare provider for travel-specific vaccines.

4. Protect Yourself from Mosquito and Tick Bites

Some viruses that cause encephalitis (e.g., Japanese encephalitis, West Nile virus) are spread by insects like mosquitoes and ticks. Take these precautions:

a. Wear Protective Clothing

• Use long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and closed shoes—especially during dawn and dusk when mosquito activity is high.

b. Use Mosquito Repellents

• Apply safe insect repellents to exposed skin and clothing.
• Avoid spraying directly on the face—apply it to your hands first, then gently wipe on the face.

c. Control Mosquito Breeding

• Eliminate standing water in flowerpots, coolers, old tires, buckets, and other containers to reduce mosquito breeding.

d. Use Insecticides

• Spray a safe, permethrin-based insecticide indoors and on outdoor fabrics (e.g., mosquito nets, clothes, etc.).
• Do not allow direct skin contact with insecticide-treated materials.

Conclusion

Follow all the protective guidelines to prevent the occurrence of this infection. However, if you experience any warning signs, never neglect them. Seek immediate medical attention for early detection and immediate commencement of the treatment plan.

Frequently asked questions (FAQs)

1. How do doctors diagnose encephalitis?

Whenever they suspect encephalitis , doctors at first conduct a physical examination and take the medical history. Then, they prescribe MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography) images, spinal tap (lumbar puncture), and EEG (electroencephalogram) to obtain a detailed picture of your medical condition and arrive at a correct diagnosis. In some rare cases, when encephalitis symptoms worsen even after the commencement of treatment, doctors may also advise a brain biopsy.

2. What is supportive care for hospitalized encephalitis patients?

If you experience severe symptoms for encephalitis, doctors may advise immediate hospitalization. In such cases, patients may require supportive care, including breathing assistance, intravenous fluids, anticonvulsant medications for preventing seizures, and anti-inflammatory drugs to reduce swelling. These therapies help in the speedy recovery.

3. What are the tips for protecting children against encephalitis?

You can protect babies and small kids from encephalitis by assisting them in applying mosquito repellent, covering their body with protective clothing, avoiding going outdoors at dawn and dusk, and washing their hands with soap and water whenever they come from outdoor locations and after visiting the toilet.

4. Can encephalitis be cured completely?

In many cases, encephalitis—especially mild viral forms—can be completely cured with timely diagnosis and treatment. However, some patients may experience long-term complications like memory issues or movement difficulties, especially if treatment is delayed.

5. Is encephalitis contagious?

Encephalitis itself is not contagious, but the viruses or bacteria that cause it (like herpes virus, enteroviruses, or mosquito-borne viruses) can spread from person to person or through insect bites.

6. What are the long-term effects of encephalitis?

Some individuals may face neurological issues like memory loss, speech problems, fatigue, personality changes, or coordination difficulties. Rehabilitation therapies can help manage these long-term effects.

7. Who is most at risk of developing encephalitis?

Children under 5, elderly individuals, and people with weakened immune systems are at higher risk. Those living in or traveling to regions with outbreaks of mosquito- or tick-borne viruses are also vulnerable.

8. How long does recovery from encephalitis take?

Recovery time varies depending on the severity of the infection and how quickly treatment begins. Mild cases may recover in a few weeks, while severe cases might take months and require long-term rehabilitation.

9. What is autoimmune encephalitis?

Autoimmune encephalitis occurs when the body's immune system mistakenly attacks healthy brain tissue. It is less common than viral encephalitis and often requires treatment with immunosuppressive medications.

Call 1860-500-1066 to book an appointment.