Encephalitis – Symptoms and Causes
Encephalitis is a neurological condition
that causes inflammation of the brain. Commonly caused by viral infections, in
rare cases it can even be caused by bacteria or even fungi. Encephalitis can be
categorized into two types, namely: Primary Encephalitis and Secondary
Encephalitis. The first type occurs when a virus directly infects the brain or
spinal cord. The second one occurs when an infection starts elsewhere in the
body and then travels to the brain. Encephalitis is serious and
life-threatening disease, although rare.
Symptoms
The symptoms of this disease range
from mild to severe. These commonly include:
Mild Symptoms
·
Fever
·
Headache
·
Vomiting
·
Stiff Neck
·
Lethargy and exhaustion
Severe Symptoms
·
Fever (103°F/39.4°C or higher)
·
Confusion
·
Drowsiness
·
Hallucinations
·
Slower Movements
·
Coma
·
Seizures
·
Sensitivity to light
·
Irritability
·
Unconsciousness
Causes
As mentioned above, encephalitis can
be caused by many different viruses. The most common virus that causes
encephalitis is herpes simplex. The
herpes virus typically travel from a nerve to the skin, causing cold sores. In
rare cases, however, it can travel to the brain. This form of encephalitis
usually affects the temporal lobe, the part of the brain controlling memory and
speech, but can also affect the frontal lobe, the part that controls emotions
and behaviour. This type of encephalitis is dangerous and can lead to death.
Other common virus that can cause encephalitis include:
·
Mumps
·
Epstein-Barr virus
·
Human-Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
·
Cytomegalovirus
Encephalitis is a neurological
disorder treatable by a neurologist.
You can find a leading neurologist
in Gurgaon and Delhi NCR, and you can also find a top neurologist
in Patna (if near Bihar) as well. Neuro
hospitals in these parts have advanced a lot, and multi-facility
super-speciality hospitals can be found in these regions.
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