A Rare and Serious Brain Condition
Encephalitisis a rare condition characterized by brain inflammation.
Causes of encephalitis include infections, medication toxicity, or immune disorders.
Inflammation and swelling throughout the brain can cause confusion, headaches, and fatigue.
Illustration by Mira Norian for Verywell Health
Sometimes symptoms associated with inflammation are experienced in certain regions of the brain.
Symptoms include vision changes, weakness of one side of the body, or seizures.
The symptoms of encephalitis can often be treated if the condition is detected right away.
However, encephalitis can rapidly worsen, and serious long-term complications can resultincluding lifetime learning difficulties.
This article describes the causes, effects, treatment, prognosis, and recovery of encephalitis.
Encephalitis is an infection or inflammation of the brain tissue.
Meningitis is infection or inflammation of themeninges, which are the three layers of tissue that protect the brain.
All causes of meningitis or encephalitis produce inflammation.
Immunosuppression can cause infectious encephalitis, and some medications, including some chemotherapy medications, can cause inflammatory encephalitis.
Causes and Risk Factors
Encephalitis has many different causes.
Edema can include inflammatory cells, fluid, and blood.
Treatment of edema is a key component of managing encephalitis.
Symptoms: How Does Encephalitis Start?
Encephalitis can cause a variety of nonspecific symptoms.
Is Encephalitis Curable?
Encephalitis can be treated or cured in some circumstances.
Treatment includes medication that will reduce inflammation and swelling, as well as treatment to manage the underlying cause.
Managing encephalitis during the inflammatory phase requires close monitoring, with potential adjustments in treatment.
During this recovery and healing phase, healthcare providers will evaluate your abilities and begin planning your rehabilitation program.
After recovery from the acute phase of encephalitis, you would be monitored for these long-term effects.
This could include treatment for HIV or adjusting immune modifying medications.
Summary
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain tissue.
It is a rare, dangerous, and potentially life-threatening condition.
Encephalitis causes include a variety of infections, medications, and immune disorders.
Some people are more susceptible to encephalitis because of a weak immune system, but anyone can get encephalitis.
Treatments can include medication to reduce inflammation and treatments to manage the symptoms.
While encephalitis can be fatal, it can sometimes be curable.
Some people who survive may experience long-term consequences, such as seizures or physical or cognitive disabilities.
Rehabilitation can help you regain many skills after recovering from encephalitis.
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