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The Hidden Truth About Brain Inflammation: Do You Know How Encephalitis Affects the Brain?
Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain that can vary in severity, with common symptoms including decreased or altered consciousness, aphasia, headache, fever, confusion, stiff neck and vomiting. According to medical research, complications of encephalitis may include epilepsy, hallucinations, difficulty speaking, memory problems and hearing impairment. The causes of encephalitis are quite diverse, usually caused by viruses (such as herpes simplex virus and rabies virus), bacteria, fungi or parasites. In addition, autoimmune diseases and certain medications may also be triggers.
"In many cases, the specific cause of encephalitis is unknown, and certain risk factors may increase the likelihood of developing the disease, including a weakened immune system."
Symptoms and manifestations
Encephalitis in adults usually presents with an acute onset of high fever, headache, confusion, and sometimes seizures. Compared with adults, young children or infants may show symptoms such as irritability, loss of appetite, and fever, and neurological examination often shows a drowsy or confused state. A stiff neck may indicate meningitis or meningoencephalitis.
Special types of encephalitis
Limbic encephalitis
Limbic encephalitis is an inflammatory disease confined to the limbic system of the brain. Clinical manifestations usually include disorientation, inactivity, memory loss, seizures, and abnormal behavior. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may demonstrate T2 hyperintensity in medial temporal lobe structures and, in some cases, other limbic structures may also be affected.
Encephalitis lethargica
Encephalitis lethargica causes high fever, headache, slowed reaction times and drowsiness. Patients may experience upper limb weakness, muscle pain and tremors, but the scientific community is currently unable to determine the specific cause.
Causes of encephalitis
According to research, the cause of approximately 30% to 40% of encephalitis cases remains unknown. Viral infections are often the primary cause of infectious encephalitis and may occur as a direct result of acute infection or as a sequela of latent infection. The cause of most cases of viral encephalitis is unknown; the most common known cause is herpes simplex infection.
"Encephalitis can be caused by bacteria, viruses, and autoimmune factors, and understanding these causes is crucial for treatment and prevention."
Diagnosis and testing
The diagnosis of encephalitis relies primarily on clinical manifestations of the patient, such as decreased or altered level of consciousness, drowsiness, or personality changes, which need to persist for at least 24 hours. Doctors usually use a battery of tests, such as an MRI scan, an electroencephalogram (EEG), a lumbar puncture to test cerebrospinal fluid, and other urine and blood tests to confirm the diagnosis.
Prevention and Treatment
Vaccines are available for some viral encephalitis, such as dengue fever and Japanese encephalitis. Treatment may require the use of antiviral drugs, anti-epileptic drugs, or corticosteroids, depending on the cause of the infection. Treatment is usually in a hospital, and some patients may even need to be put on a ventilator.
Prognosis and epidemiology
According to epidemiological data, the number of new cases of acute encephalitis in Western countries is approximately 7.4 cases per 100,000 people per year. In 2015, there were an estimated 4.3 million cases of encephalitis worldwide, resulting in 150,000 deaths. Even so, early detection and treatment based on clinical diagnostic techniques can significantly improve survival rates.
"The diagnosis and timely treatment of encephalitis are crucial to reducing mortality and sequelae."
Now that you understand the many faces of encephalitis and its risks, have you ever thought about whether you are prepared to prevent and identify it?
