Encephalitis: Seven Things You Need

Encephalitis: Seven Things You Need to Know

How is the disease/condition contracted?

Viral encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain, and can be caused by a number of viruses. Herpes simplex virus type 1 is the most common cause of encephalitis in the United States. Other common viruses that cause the condition are arboviruses such as West Nile virus. This variety is transmitted through insects like mosquitoes, ticks, and sand flies. Other herpes viruses and the rabies virus can also transmit encephalitis (Ringold, Lynm, Glass 2005, p.514)..

What are the typical symptoms?

From a layperson's perspective, the typical symptoms of the sufferer include fever, headache, nausea and vomiting, confusion or agitation, extreme sleepiness, weakness, difficulty walking, clumsiness, difficulty speaking, and seizures. A hospital may use computed tomography to look for inflammation in the brain or perform a spinal tap to analyze the spinal fluid for evidence of inflammation and for the presence of specific viruses (Ringold, Lynm, Glass 2005, p.514)..

Question 3: How is the disease/condition typically treated?

Viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotic drugs. Hospitalization is often required to monitor the patient, provide fluids through an IV and intravenous palliative medication. Antiviral medications can be given if the exact cause of encephalitis is determined (Ringold, Lynm, Glass 2005, p.514)..

Question 4: How long does the disease/condition generally last?

Some people affected by encephalitis emerge unscathed while others experience severe difficulties. It is highly dependant upon the patient -- unfortunately many sufferers are young or elderly, which can complicate the prognosis (Encephalitis, 2009, Encephalitis Society).

Question 5: Are there any sequelae as a result of acquiring the disease/condition?

Encephalitis itself is often sequelae. Secondary encephalitis can develops as a complication of a viral infection or reactivation of a latent virus, such as when the immune system is suppressed. Common diseases that can trigger secondary encephalitis include influenza, chickenpox, measles, mumps, and German measles (Encephalitis, 2008, Neurology Channel).

Question 6: Do you considered the disease/condition chronic or communicable?

The most common form of transmission in the U.S. is through herpes which is usually transmitted through human sexual contact. Mosquitoes and other insects can transmit the virus through bites and secondary conditions such as chickenpox that give rise to the virus are contagious.