The Basics
Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is encephalitis? " � Encephalitis is a rare condition that causes inflammation of the brain. It is most often caused by a virus. � �
What are the symptoms of encephalitis? " � Symptoms include: � �
- Fever
- Headache
- Confusion or trouble thinking
- Trouble swallowing or speaking
- Saying things that do not make sense
- Clumsiness or trouble walking
- Weak muscles on one side of the body
- Seizures - Seizures are waves of abnormal electrical activity in the brain. They can make people pass out, or move or behave strangely.
Will I need tests? " � Yes. Your doctor will learn about your symptoms and do an exam. He or she will do tests to see what caused your encephalitis and to check that you do not have a different condition. Tests include: � �
- Blood tests
- A lumbar puncture (sometimes called a "spinal tap " �) " � During this procedure, a doctor puts a thin needle into your lower back and removes a small amount of spinal fluid. Spinal fluid is the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord. He or she will do lab tests on the spinal fluid.
- Imaging tests " � These include an MRI or CT scan (a special kind of X-ray), which create pictures of the inside of the brain.
How is encephalitis treated? " � The treatment is given in a hospital with medicines that go into a vein through a tube called an "IV. " � Treatments can include: � �
- Acyclovir (brand name: Zovirax), which is used to treat infections caused by viruses
- Antibiotics, which are medicines to treat other types of infections
Can encephalitis be prevented? " � Sometimes. Some of the viruses that cause encephalitis are spread by mosquito bites. You can lower your chances of getting encephalitis by avoiding mosquito bites. To do this, you can: � �
- Stay inside at dawn and dusk, when mosquitoes are more likely to be around.
- Wear shoes, long-sleeved shirts, and long pants when you go outside, especially at dusk.
- Wear bug spray.
- Drain areas of standing water near your home, such as wading pools and buckets. Mosquitoes breed in standing water.
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 17213 Version 4.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.206 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �
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