| Encephalitis | |
|---|---|
 | |
| MRI scan image shows high signal in the temporal lobes and right inferior frontal gyrus in someone with herpes simplex encephalitis. | |
| Specialty | Neurology, infectious disease |
| Symptoms | Headache, fever, confusion, stiff neck, vomiting[1] |
| Complications | Seizures, trouble speaking, memory problems, problems hearing[1] |
| Duration | Weeks to months for recovery[1] |
| Types | Herpes simplex, West Nile, rabies, Eastern equine, others[2] |
| Causes | Infection, autoimmune, certain medication, unknown[2] |
| Diagnostic method | Based on symptoms, supported by blood tests, medical imaging, analysis of cerebrospinal fluid[2] |
| Treatment | Antiviral medication, anticonvulsants, corticosteroids, artificial respiration[1] |
| Prognosis | Variable[1] |
| Frequency | 4.3 million (2015)[3] |
| Deaths | 150,000 (2015)[4] |
Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain.[5] The severity can be variable with symptoms including reduction or alteration in consciousness, headache, fever, confusion, a stiff neck, and vomiting.[1][6] Complications may include seizures, hallucinations, trouble speaking, memory problems, and problems with hearing.[1]
Causes of encephalitis include viruses such as herpes simplex virus and rabies virus as well as bacteria, fungi, or parasites.[1][2] Other causes include autoimmune diseases and certain medications.[2] In many cases the cause remains unknown.[2] Risk factors include a weak immune system.[2] Diagnosis is typically based on symptoms and supported by blood tests, medical imaging, and analysis of cerebrospinal fluid.[2]
Certain types are preventable with vaccines.[5] Treatment may include antiviral medications (such as acyclovir), anticonvulsants, and corticosteroids.[1] Treatment generally takes place in hospital.[1] Some people require artificial respiration.[1] Once the immediate problem is under control, rehabilitation may be required.[2] In 2015, encephalitis was estimated to have affected 4.3 million people and resulted in 150,000 deaths worldwide.[3][4]
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "Meningitis and Encephalitis Information Page". NINDS. Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Meningitis and Encephalitis Fact Sheet". National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. Archived from the original on 29 October 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
- ^ a b Vos T, Allen C, Arora M, Barber RM, Bhutta ZA, Brown A, et al. (GBD 2015 Disease and Injury Incidence and Prevalence Collaborators) (October 2016). "Global, regional, and national incidence, prevalence, and years lived with disability for 310 diseases and injuries, 1990-2015: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015". Lancet. 388 (10053): 1545–1602. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31678-6. PMC 5055577. PMID 27733282.
- ^ a b Wang H, Naghavi M, Allen C, Barber RM, Bhutta ZA, Carter A, et al. (GBD 2015 Mortality and Causes of Death Collaborators) (October 2016). "Global, regional, and national life expectancy, all-cause mortality, and cause-specific mortality for 249 causes of death, 1980-2015: a systematic analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study 2015". Lancet. 388 (10053): 1459–1544. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(16)31012-1. PMC 5388903. PMID 27733281.
- ^ a b "Encephalitis". NHS Choices. 2016. Archived from the original on 22 September 2017. Retrieved 29 October 2017.
- ^ Ellul M, Solomon T (March 2018). "Acute encephalitis - diagnosis and management". Clinical Medicine. 18 (2): 155–159. doi:10.7861/clinmedicine.18-2-155. PMC 6303463. PMID 29626021.