What is Encephalitis?
February 22nd is World Encephalitis Day, a day to spread global awareness about the rare yet serious condition that affects 10 to 15 per 100,000 people globally each year. Encephalitis, a neurological condition characterized by brain inflammation, can occur due to either a viral infection or an autoimmune response. It can be seen in many populations regardless of age, sex, or ethnicity, but those with weak immune systems are generally at a higher risk.
Types of encephalitis:
Infectious encephalitis:
Cases of infectious encephalitis arise from viral infections that attack the brain. The more common form of the condition, infectious encephalitis can be linked to a variety of viruses ranging from herpes simplex virus (HSV) to enteroviruses to mosquito or tick-borne viruses. Rarely, infectious encephalitis can be caused by bacteria, fungi, or parasites.
Autoimmune or post-infectious encephalitis:
A less-understood form of encephalitis, autoimmune encephalitis occurs when one’s own immune cells mistakenly attack the brain as a foreign body. This can be triggered by a tumor or infection, but many cases are due to unidentifiable causes.
Symptoms:
Encephalitis is inflammation of the active tissues of the brain caused by an infection or an autoimmune response. The inflammation causes the brain to swell, which can lead to varied symptoms such as headaches, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, mental confusion, and seizures.
Diagnosis:
Medical professionals may conduct a series of tests to determine whether a patient has encephalitis, such as:
Blood tests, particularly complete blood count (CBC) and comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP)
Imaging tests, including computed tomography (CT) scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans, and magnetoencephalography (MEG).
Lumbar puncture
Neurological examination
Treatment and Outcomes:
Encephalitis can become life-threatening if left untreated. Most cases are mild, easily treated, and do not cause lasting damage. However, encephalitis is still fatal in approximately 5 to 10% of patients. For those recovering from severe cases, symptoms can persist and cause permanent problems such as seizures, memory loss, or blindness. Treatment options vary on a case-by-case basis and rely heavily on early detection. Patients must be monitored for adverse outcomes such as respiratory failure or heart problems. Treatment plans can encompass a variety of strategies such as:
Antiviral medications
Antibiotics
Corticosteroids
Dietary changes, such as a ketogenic diet
Immunotherapy
Seizure medications
Those recovering from encephalitis may have needs that require extra care and patience. Encephalitis can cause long-term physical, memory, speech, personality, and epilepsy-related issues. Physiotherapy and speech therapy can help with physical and speech problems, respectively. For memory and personality issues, clinical psychologists can provide assistance; these services are essential for long-term recovery. Loved ones can support the road to recovery by ensuring that the individual remains well-rested, consumes a healthy diet, engages in light to moderate exercise, and does not exhibit any signs of concern. Plus One Foundation provides programming, education, and services for such recovery and health in the Seattle area.
Prevention:
Preventative measures can be taken to avoid the contraction of viruses that may lead to encephalitis. Many individuals may already engage in:
Avoiding mosquito or tick exposure
Proper hygiene measures such as hand-washing
Vaccinations
Want to participate in World Encephalitis Day? Show your support by wearing red and finding ways to inform and educate those who may be unfamiliar with the condition. Find out more at: https://www.encephalitis.info/