Encephalitis

Encephalitis in adults. A guide is aimed at all people affected by encephalitis, their families and friends. It covers encephalitis in adults from description of the condition, diagnosis and management in the acute phase to effects of encephalitis and recovery and rehabilitation. Therefore it can be used by those affected in different stages of their journey through encephalitis. As encephalitis has an impact not only on the person affected but also on extended family, friends, school or workplace, this guide aims to provide useful information for everybody. The guide can be used by people anywhere in the world, but certain information such as details of organisations and legislation apply only to the UK or some parts of the UK . The guide has been highly commended by the British Medical Association (BMA). Download a PDF of Request a paper copy from our If you have found this information helpful, please consider making a donation to help us continue our life-saving work in the future. Make a Donation FEEDBACK Please tell us what you think about this information by filling in this very short feedback form. Latest • Why is research - and funding research - into encephalitis important to the Encephalitis Society? • Connect Professional is our biannual magazine for medical professionals with an interest in encephalitis • Highlights from our 10th annual World Encephalitis Day on 22nd February, 2023 • What are the challenges the Encephalitis Society faces with funding research? ...

Share on Pinterest Guido Mieth/Getty Images Encephalitis and meningitis are both conditions that affect your brain. Both can be caused by viruses, bacteria, fungi, or parasites. They’re also both considered serious and need to be treated right away by a medical professional. Despite similarities, encephalitis and meningitis are not the same. Let’s look at the big differences between encephalitis and meningitis. The biggest distinction between Meningitis is a swelling of the membranes that surround your brain (meninges) and spinal cord. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain itself. Causes Meningitis and encephalitis can both be caused by a virus. Viral meningitis is the • herpes viruses • • • • • • animal-spread viruses, such as Viral encephalitis is more likely to be caused by a type of virus called a non-polio enterovirus than by other viruses. Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae b, or several other strains of bacterial. A bacterial infection can also cause encephalitis, but it is Symptoms A Symptoms of meningitis may come on suddenly. At first, there may not be any symptoms at all. But once meningitis starts to progress, the symptoms become quite severe. Symptoms of meningitis Symptoms of • cold hands or feet • neck stiffness • headache • • • fever over 103° F • spots or a rash • seizures • heavy breathing Symptoms of encephalitis Symptoms of encephalitis may be mild at first, but can build in severity as an infection progresses without treatment. • head...

Encephalitis is inflammation of the parenchyma of the brain, resulting from direct viral invasion or occurring as a postinfectious immunologic complication caused by a hypersensitivity reaction to a virus or another foreign protein. Symptoms include fever, headache, and altered mental status, often accompanied by seizures or focal neurologic deficits. Diagnosis requires cerebrospinal fluid analysis and neuroimaging. Treatment involves antiviral drugs when indicated (eg, in herpes simplex virus encephalitis) and is otherwise supportive. Epidemic (eg, due to arbovirus, echovirus, coxsackievirus, or Poliomyelitis Poliomyelitis is an acute infection caused by a poliovirus (an enterovirus). Manifestations include a nonspecific minor illness (abortive poliomyelitis), sometimes aseptic meningitis without... read more [in some underdeveloped countries]) • Sporadic (eg, due to Cytomegalovirus (CMV) Infection Cytomegalovirus (CMV, human herpesvirus type 5) can cause infections that have a wide range of severity. A syndrome of infectious mononucleosis that lacks severe pharyngitis is common. Severe... read more or to Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV) Infections Herpes simplex viruses (human herpesviruses types 1 and 2) commonly cause recurrent infection affecting the skin, mouth, lips, eyes, and genitals. Common severe infections include encephalitis... read more , Herpes Zoster Herpes zoster is infection that results when varicella-zoster virus reactivates from its latent state in a poster...

Encephalitis and meningitis are inflammatory conditions that affect the central nervous system. Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain, while meningitis is inflammation of the membranes protecting the brain and spinal cord. Encephalitis and meningitis can occur as a result of certain viral, bacterial, fungal, and parasitic infections. Both conditions have similar symptoms, and both require prompt diagnosis and treatment to help prevent complications. This article outlines the differences between encephalitis and meningitis, including their associated symptoms, causes, and risk factors. We also provide information on treating and helping prevent these conditions, and offer advice on when to contact a doctor. The symptoms of encephalitis and meningitis are similar, but not identical. We outline these symptoms below. Share on Pinterest Grace Cary/Getty Images Symptoms of encephalitis may include: • mild flu-like symptoms • sudden • • • seizures • vision problems • • • • clumsy or unsteady gait • difficulty with speech or hearing • • drowsiness • impaired judgment • • changes in personality or behavior • • sudden memory loss • loss of consciousness Both encephalitis and meningitis can occur as a result of infection with the following pathogens: • • • • Encephalitis Common causes of encephalitis in the United States include: • • • enteroviruses, which can spread between people via droplets in the air when coughing or sneezing In some cases, encephalitis can develop as a resu...

What is encephalitis? Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that is often caused by a viral infection.The arboviruses cause encephalitis and are passed on to people and animals by insects. There have been outbreaks in recent years in the U.S. of several types of encephalitis, such as West Nile encephalitis and St. Louis encephalitis. Travelers abroad are most at risk for Japanese encephalitis and tick-borne encephalitis. Japanese encephalitis is mosquito-borne and occurs mainly in: • China, Japan,and Korea • Eastern Russia Japanese encephalitis also occurs less often in Republic of China (Taiwan), Singapore, and Hong Kong. In all of these areas, Japanese encephalitis is mainly a rural disease. On average, among people who are infected by a mosquito bite, very fewwill develop an illness. Most people who are infected develop only mild or no symptoms. But among people who develop encephalitis, the results are serious. Tick-borne encephalitis is a viral infection of the central nervous system passed on by bites of certain ticks. The disease occurs in: • Scandinavia • Western and Central Europe • The countries that made up the former Soviet Union People can be infected by the bite of infected Ixodes ricinus ticks. This usually happens in people who visit or work in forests, fields, or pastures. You can also get the infection by consuming unpasteurized dairy products from infected cows, goats, or sheep. The risk of getting the disease is greatest from April through August...