Encephalitis is one of the deadly diseases that in the early stages seem to be a very different problem then it turns into a nightmare for its victims. Once the true symptoms show themselves, it can be too late for the patient. Encephalitis is a critical inflammation of the brain. There are many symptoms of this dreadful disease, which consist of fever, headache, confusion, fatigue and drowsiness in the milder cases. In more severe case, symptoms may include seizures, convulsions, hallucinations, tremors and loss of memory.
The causes of encephalitis can be viral or bacterial. Viral acute encephalitis is due to an express result of a severe infection or is a long-term result of an infectious disease. Viral encephalitis can be passed from human to human. Many childhood diseases such as measles, chickenpox, rubella, mumps or polio can trigger within two weeks this potentially deadly viral encephalitis. Some cases have known to occur months or years after the first occurrence of a viral infection. Bacterial infections like bacterial meningitis spread straight to the brain. There are certain diseases brought on by insects or parasites, which can lead to encephalitis in humans. Bacterial encephalitis is not as common as viral encephalitis. With either viral or bacterial encephalitis, the brain can swell causing pressure on the brain itself. This can lead to a brain hemorrhage and brain damage.
Testing for encephalitis is through lab test, which are from blood, urine and spinal fluid samples. A procedure called a spinal tap or lumbar puncture is with a needle inserted into the lumbar region of the lower spine and fluid drawn for the lab test to be on. This is an extremely painful procedure, but it is necessary in helping save the patient’s life. Many neurologists can use blood or urine samples to do a test called a viral culture to determine if a virus or bacteria cause the encephalitis. Electroencephalography (EEG) is another tool that is used to diagnosis encephalitis. EEG test can determine if the patient is having seizures or can even pinpoint a virus as being the cause of the infection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a way of getting pictures of the brain, which can be broken down frame by frame to see if any abnormalities are present in the brain. Cat scans of the infected area can determine if there is any bleeding or brain inflammation.
Treatment depends upon the severity of the case. Medications can be administered for the symptoms and for the infection. Plenty of fluids and rest are highly recommended. Physical Therapy is another treatment that is needed for memory loss, speech, and for regaining the use of one’s limbs again. The outcome of encephalitis depends on the severity of the case the patient has. Milder cases of encephalitis can expect a full recovery. In the more severe cases of encephalitis, the patients may take years to recover on partially or may even result in the death of the patient.
The causes of encephalitis can be viral or bacterial. Viral acute encephalitis is due to an express result of a severe infection or is a long-term result of an infectious disease. Viral encephalitis can be passed from human to human. Many childhood diseases such as measles, chickenpox, rubella, mumps or polio can trigger within two weeks this potentially deadly viral encephalitis. Some cases have known to occur months or years after the first occurrence of a viral infection. Bacterial infections like bacterial meningitis spread straight to the brain. There are certain diseases brought on by insects or parasites, which can lead to encephalitis in humans. Bacterial encephalitis is not as common as viral encephalitis. With either viral or bacterial encephalitis, the brain can swell causing pressure on the brain itself. This can lead to a brain hemorrhage and brain damage.
Testing for encephalitis is through lab test, which are from blood, urine and spinal fluid samples. A procedure called a spinal tap or lumbar puncture is with a needle inserted into the lumbar region of the lower spine and fluid drawn for the lab test to be on. This is an extremely painful procedure, but it is necessary in helping save the patient’s life. Many neurologists can use blood or urine samples to do a test called a viral culture to determine if a virus or bacteria cause the encephalitis. Electroencephalography (EEG) is another tool that is used to diagnosis encephalitis. EEG test can determine if the patient is having seizures or can even pinpoint a virus as being the cause of the infection. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a way of getting pictures of the brain, which can be broken down frame by frame to see if any abnormalities are present in the brain. Cat scans of the infected area can determine if there is any bleeding or brain inflammation.
Treatment depends upon the severity of the case. Medications can be administered for the symptoms and for the infection. Plenty of fluids and rest are highly recommended. Physical Therapy is another treatment that is needed for memory loss, speech, and for regaining the use of one’s limbs again. The outcome of encephalitis depends on the severity of the case the patient has. Milder cases of encephalitis can expect a full recovery. In the more severe cases of encephalitis, the patients may take years to recover on partially or may even result in the death of the patient.