Diseases & Conditions

Encephalitis

Although the term "encephalitis" literally means "inflammation of the brain," it usually refers to brain inflammation resulting from a viral infection. The severe and potentially life-threatening form of this disease is rare. Experts suspect that the actual incidence of encephalitis is probably much higher — but because most people have such mild signs or symptoms, many cases go unrecognized.

Encephalitis occurs in two forms — a primary form and a secondary form. Primary encephalitis involves direct viral infection of your brain and spinal cord. In secondary encephalitis, a viral infection first occurs elsewhere in your body and then travels to your brain.

Seeing your doctor and receiving timely treatment is important because the course of the encephalitis is unpredictable.

Severe viral encephalitis can cause:

• Seizures
• Respiratory arrest
• Coma
• Death

In those who've had severe encephalitis, some problems may last for a year or more, including:

• Fatigue
• Weakness
• Depression
• Personality changes
• Gait problems
• Memory difficulties

Some complications may be permanent, such as memory loss, the inability to speak coherently, lack of muscle coordination, paralysis, or hearing or vision defects.

Treatment for mild cases mainly consists of:

• Rest
• A healthy diet, including plenty of liquids
• Using acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) to relieve headaches and fever

More serious cases of encephalitis can be difficult to treat because the viruses that cause the disease generally don't respond to medications. However, some viruses, particularly the herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus, respond to antiviral drugs such as acyclovir (Zovirax). If you have one of these kinds of virus-induced encephalitis, your doctor will likely start treatment with acyclovir immediately. Another antiviral that's sometimes used is ganciclovir (Cytovene).

In addition to antiviral medications, your doctor may also treat you with:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, to help reduce swelling and pressure within your skull
• Anticonvulsant medications to stop or prevent seizures

After the illness, you may also need physical and speech therapy.