What is encephalitis?
encephalitis is a rare condition that causes brain inflammation. This is most often due to an infection or virus that attacks the brain, but can also be caused by bacteria or parasites. In very rare cases, encephalitis may be caused by brain damage, undesirable reactions to medicines or medicines or the immune system of the body accidentally attacking the brain.
If the virus or bacteria caused by parasites enters the bloodstream, it can be transferred to the brain where inflammatory effect or encephalitis may occur. This can lead to swelling of brain tissue, brain bleeding and even permanent brain damage. People with a weak immune system, children and seniors are most prone to encephalitis, although it can affect anyone.
Symptoms of encephalitis can be very different and sometimes no symptoms occur. In serious cases, symptoms may include problems with walking or position, clumsy, headache, neck pain, stiff neck, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, irritability, drowsiness, mentThe confusion, aversion to the light and in rare cases seizures or coma. Symptoms of encephalitis in infants are more difficult to recognize, but may include squinting or turning away from light and the body is weak or limp.
The cause of encephalitis is often a mystery unless the extended focus is documented. In some cases insects carrying a virus infect the community and the cause can be determined. In isolated cases, it is more difficult to determine the cause. Although it is assumed that viruses and bacteria correspond to most cases, specific bacteria have been found in less than fifty percent of patients with encephalitis.
There are more than 100 different bacteria that are expected to cause encephalitis. The most common are herpes simplex virus, entereoviruses that spread through feces, and arboviruses that spread through the bite of insects. Encephalitis is sometimes also caused by an exaggerated body reaction to normal inFeka like herpes simplex, measles and even flu.
For diagnosis of patient with encephalitis, lumbar puncture or backbone tap is performed by inserting the needle into the lower back and by taking a sample of the fluid from the spine. The fluid is then tested for viruses, bacteria or other substances that can be associated with encephalitis. A biopsy can also be performed where a small part of brain tissue is removed and tested on viruses if the doctor considers it necessary for diagnosis.
If the patient is positively diagnosed with encephalitis, antibiotic treatment is generally prescribed immediately, especially if the cause is not known. The acute phase or the time when the brain is swollen lasts up to two weeks and the symptoms may gradually or suddenly disperse after this time. Further treatment depends on the cause of this and may include antiviral drugs, steroids to reduce swelling and narcotics provided for pain relief. After the acute phase is over, the focus will be moved to rehabilitation and the treatment of brain damage noor any other persistent problems.