Encephalitis is an inflammation of the
brain. The majority of cases are caused by
infection, usually viral, although
Encephalitis may occasionally
occur in a case of poisoning by certain chemicals. Among the most common types of encephalitis are Saint Louis encephalitis and
herpes simplex. The herpes virus can be contracted in the birth canal, with encephalitis occurring with primary
infections of major organ systems in the newborn. Some causal viruses are carried by various species of tick. Encephalitis may also occur following infectious diseases such as measles or after vaccination. The causative infection may enter the brain via the bloodstream or peripheral nerves. Many other infections involve only the surface membranes of the brain or spinal cord, whereas others affect both meninges and brain and cause meningoencephalitis.
Encephalitis symptoms progress from headache, stiff neck, and fever to confusion, stupor, and coma, ultimately leading to death if untreated. Encephalitis can be
fatal within hours. Some success in treatment has been achieved with antiviral agents. The later therapy is begun the more severe the aftereffects may be: These can include retardation, epilepsy, hydrocephalus (enlargement of the head caused by an accumulation of fluid), and deafness. Encephalitis can be mistaken for flu, and the correct diagnosis is often delayed or missed entirely, with fatal results.
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