Inflammation of the brain tissue is known as encephalitis and it can be quite serious. Moreover, it provokes seizures, weakness, personality changes, and others. The symptoms appear depending on the part of the brain that is affected.
Approximately 10-15 in every 100,000 people experience this brain condition in the U.S. Furthermore, older adults, children, and people with weakened immune systems are more likely to develop this disease. The most common causes include infections caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites. Some people may develop this condition due to an autoimmune disease or while using certain medications.
Usually, patients with mild encephalitis recover completely with proper treatment. However, the recovery chance and treatment depend on the underlying cause and severity of inflammation. For those who suffer from acute encephalitis, the infection impacts directly the brain cells. The spinal cord and brain can become inflamed within 14 days of getting the infection if a person experiences parainfectious encephalitis.
What is The Difference between Encephalitis and Meningitis?
These conditions both provoke inflammation in the brain. The difference between them is that encephalitis makes brain tissue inflamed but meningitis causes inflammation of the brain covering (a membrane known as meninges). Mostly, both brain conditions are caused by bacterial or viral infections. In any case, encephalitis and meningitis can also happen due to cancer, fungal or parasitic infections, head injuries, certain medicines, and others.
Is Encephalitis a Contagious Brain Condition?
Encephalitis itself is not contagious but the causes can be. For instance, viral encephalitis occurs due to herpes simplex virus (HSV) and it can pass from one person to another. In addition, measles, mumps, and German measles (Rubella) are the common causes of encephalitis in children. However, encephalitis occurs due to previous causes rarely because most kids get vaccinated before beginning school.
Causes
Check below the most common encephalitis causes:
- Herpes viruses (including chickenpox, cytomegalovirus, Epstein-Barr virus, and HSV)
- Viruses that commonly pass from bug bites to people (such as West Nile virus, Dengue virus, and Eastern equine encephalitis virus)
- Viruses that provoke childhood infections (including mumps, Rubella, and measles)
However, encephalitis can occur due to other less common causes. For example:
- Certain medications
- Cancer
- Autoimmune diseases
- Bacterial or other infections including toxoplasmosis or syphilis
- HIV infection
- Rabies
In some cases, doctors cannot determine the exact encephalitis cause.
Symptoms
The patients experience different symptoms because it depends on the encephalitis type. Sometimes, patients can notice infection symptoms before they are diagnosed with this brain disease. Check below some encephalitis symptoms:
- Sound and light sensitivity
- Fever
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Severe headaches
- Loss of energy
- Neck stiffness
- Loss of consciousness
- Drowsiness
- Hallucinations
- Anxiety, irritability, personality or behavior changes
In any case, some people may experience severe encephalitis symptoms. These include:
- Weakness
- Vision changes (such as double vision)
- Confusion
- Speaking problems
- Coma
- Seizures
- A bulging soft spot in infants
The previous symptoms are considered a medical emergency and if you experience any of them go to the nearest emergency room (ER) or call 911 immediately.
Encephalitis Types
Infectious Encephalitis
This encephalitis type is caused by a viral infection but also can occur due to bacteria, fungi, or parasites. People who spend much time outdoors are more prone to this type of encephalitis. Moreover, infectious encephalitis often develops quickly and can cause serious symptoms.
Autoimmune Encephalitis
In such cases, encephalitis occurs because the brain produces some proteins that provoke brain inflammation. Experts still do not understand why some people develop these proteins.
Autoimmune encephalitis occurs rarely compared to infectious encephalitis and can cause neurological symptoms. For example confusion, memory problems, and seizures. This encephalitis type develops more slowly than the infectious type. Check below some diseases that can provoke autoimmune encephalitis:
- Hashimoto’s encephalopathy
- Anti-NMDA receptor encephalitis
- Acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM)
- LGI1/CASPR2-antibody encephalitis
- Limbic encephalitis
- Rasmussen’s encephalitis
Life-threatening symptoms can occur either autoimmune or infectious encephalitis you experience. It is advised to contact a doctor immediately if you or someone near you experience neurological symptoms.
Diagnosis
Physicians often ask questions about symptoms and medical history before diagnosis. Sometimes, people with encephalitis may experience severe symptoms and family members and friends are the best way to understand the cause. Healthcare providers should know if you were in contact with infected animals, sick people, mosquitoes, or ticks. They can also perform some tests and physical examinations. Check below some tests:
- Blood tests (including comprehensive metabolic panel and complete blood count)
- Urine, sputum, or stool culture tests (used to check for infections)
- Imaging tests (including CT scans, MRI scans, and MEG also known as magnetoencephalography)
- EEG (electroencephalogram)
- A spinal tap or lumbar puncture is used to remove cerebrospinal fluid to determine the infection
- Neurological examination
- Intracranial pressure monitoring (ICP)
- Biopsy (in rare cases)
Treatment
Commonly, people with encephalitis go to the hospital because they can experience serious complications. Doctors need to monitor your blood pressure, heart rate, and breathing. To lessen brain swelling, your doctor may prescribe IV fluid therapy.
In other cases, the treatment depends on the age, underlying cause, and encephalitis type. Check below some common encephalitis treatments:
- Steroids (reduce brain swelling)
- Antiviral drugs (including Acyclovir, Foscarnet, or Ganciclovir)
- Antibiotics (used to treat bacterial infections)
- Anticonvulsants (for those who experience seizures)
- Immune globulin and plasmapheresis (used in the autoimmune encephalitis treatment)
- Over-the-counter medications (such as Acetaminophen) are used to relieve headaches and control fever.
Post Encephalitis Therapy
After having been treated for encephalopathy it does not mean you fully recovered. Post-encephalitis therapy helps to recover completely and involves the following therapies. For example:
- Physical therapy
- Occupational therapy
- Speech therapy
- Brain rehabilitation
- Psychotherapy
Consult with your doctor for more details.
What are The Possible Encephalitis Complications?
Some people after encephalitis treatment have brain damage, which may lead to some complications. Examples include:
- Hearing and memory loss (amnesia)
- Mental disorders (including depression, anxiety, mood swings, and others)
- Difficulty concentrating and solving problems
- Seizures (epilepsy)
- Behavior and personality changes
- Swallowing problems
- Language and speech issues
- Movement, coordination, and balance problems
- Long-term fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Coma and death (in severe cases)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it possible to prevent encephalitis?
Doctors recommend getting yourself and your children vaccinated. The vaccines help to prevent infection causes and encephalitis. Moreover, regularly wash your hands with soap and water during the day. You should not share food, eating utensils, or glasses with other people.
Is encephalitis curable?
Treatments prescribed by your doctor are used to treat the underlying condition and cure encephalitis. Sometimes, people experience long-term health problems after treating this disease.
What is the most common encephalitis cause?
Herpes simplex virus types 1 and 2, varicella-zoster virus, and enterovirus are the most common encephalitis causes. Ask your healthcare professional if you have any other questions.
