What is encephalitis lethargica?

encephalitis Lethargica is a rare disease that attacks the brain and causes extreme fatigue and sometimes leads to a coma. The worldwide epidemic of encephalitis Lethargica appeared between 1917 and 1928 for no apparent reason, disappeared as mysteriously. Isolated cases continue to occur and the disease was the subject of a substantial research to learn more about its origin and how to handle it. The treatment is currently focused on the patient's stabilization and no treatment is available. Some scientists suspect that this may be an immune response based on a history of past infections in many patients with this disease. Scientists were unable to identify a specific vector or pathophysiology of the disease, but the disease was very difficult to treat. He was popularized in Awakenings , a book by neurologist Oliver Sacks. Sacks significantly identified Levadopa as a successful treatment in patients with Encepha rendering catatonicitis Lethargica. They can develop vibrations and changes in personality, especially psychosesu. As the disease progresses, the patient becomes extremely tired and eventually falls into a coma. Patients may receive stress positions, while in a comatose condition such as grimaces of face or bent limbs. The patient cannot be awakened and may remain in this condition for years. Some patients recover, wake up and gradually develop more energy and strength. Other patients may awaken, but remain in the catatonic condition, unable to interact or react.

Initially, doctors suspected that encephalitis Lethargica was associated with psychological symptoms such as stress reaction or avoidance. As the epidemic at the beginning of the 20th century began to spread, doctors realized that it was definitely a physical nature, although the mechanisms of the disease were not known. Several scientists worked independently on this disease, resulting in duplicated research in several cases. When scientists began to interact andReplace information, realized that they were working on the same diseases, even if they describe different names.

The unusual nature of encephalitis Lethargica makes it difficult to investigate because people have a limited number of patients they could work with if they want to explore the causes and approaches to treatment. The diagnosis can be missed in the early stages, because doctors often do not have experience with disease. When identified, patients and family members may want to consider treatment from neurology specialists and may explore open research and clinical evaluation to see what treatment options are available.