Causes and risk factors
Encephalitis is caused due to infection, although the infection can be caused due to bacteria or fungi, viruses are the common causative agents. The common viruses responsible are varicella, herpes, adenovirus, rubella, cytomegalo virus etc. Either the infection directly invades the brain or it can be caused as a result of complication of infection elsewhere in the body. Individual with weak immune system are more prone for developing the diseases. The infections can spread through droplets in air or due to contaminated water and food.
Clinical presentation:
In most of the cases the complaints are mild. The patients come up with flu like symptoms like fever, malaise, weakness and body ache. Headache, vomiting, nausea, stiffness of neck and back region is seen. The patient becomes sensitive to light. In babies feeding difficulty, irritability, crying is seen. Confusion, loss of memory, convulsion, and ultimately paralysis and coma can occur. Severe cases can get complicated leading to intracereberal hemorrhages, damage to the brain and death.
Investigations:
Diagnosis is done of the basis of the symptoms narrated by the patient and the physical examination carried out by the doctor.CSF examination, MRI or CT scan of the brain is diagnostic. EEG can also be advised. Apart from this routine Blood test, blood cultures and other investigations can be advised by the doctor.
Treatment:
Encephalitis requires hospitalization and close monitoring. Administrations of antiviral medications intravenously are started. Carbohydrate solution through IV fluids can be given. Pain relieving medications, corticosteroids and anti convulsant drugs are other medications which can be used. In severe cases mechanical ventilation and other supportive care is needed. In certain cases after recovery occupational, speech and physical therapy can be needed. Timely vaccinations are the best preventive measure which needs to be implemented.
Other Modes of treatment:
Certain other modes of treatment can also be helpful in coping up the symptom. Taking into consideration the symptoms in holistic way, homoeopathy can offer a good aid for the relief of the symptoms.
