Encephalitis is a swelling (inflammation) in the brain. It is usually caused by a virus. The normal blood flow to the brain changes. This can cause confusion, a high fever, and a severe headache. Your child also may be sleepy and sensitive to light and may have nausea and a stiff neck and back. In the most serious cases, a child may have seizures or tremors.
Your doctor may prescribe medicine to help your child's body get rid of the virus. Your child may have some symptoms for several weeks or longer while their body slowly heals. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy to help your child get stronger and active again.
Encephalitis is a swelling (inflammation) of the brain. It is usually caused by a virus. The normal blood flow to the brain changes. This can cause confusion, a high fever, and a severe headache. You also may be sleepy and sensitive to light. And you may have nausea and a stiff neck and back. In more serious cases, a person may have seizures or tremors.
Encephalitis is not common, but it can be deadly if it's not treated right away.
Encephalitis is treated in the hospital. Treatment may include antiviral medicine. It can help your body get rid of the virus. It also may make symptoms less severe. You will also get supportive care. This helps to ease your symptoms and allow your body to heal on its own. Some people may need physical therapy or occupational therapy.
Symptoms may include confusion, a high fever, and a severe headache. You also may be sleepy and sensitive to light. And you may have nausea and a stiff neck and back. In more serious cases, a person may have seizures or tremors.
Encephalitis needs to be treated in a hospital. You may be treated with an antiviral medicine, such as acyclovir. Antiviral medicine may make symptoms less severe, especially if you get the medicine right away.
You'll also get supportive care to ease your symptoms and allow your body to heal on its own. You may take medicines to reduce pain and fever or to stop seizures. Some people may need a machine called a ventilator to help them breathe.
You may have some symptoms for several weeks or longer while your body slowly heals. Your doctor may recommend physical therapy. This can help you get stronger and active again.
Courtesy of Paul Traughber, M.D., Boise, Idaho.
Figure 1 is a computed tomography (CT) scan of a normal brain. Figure 2 is a CT scan that shows an accumulation of contrast material in infected areas and around the brain from encephalitis.
Encephalitis is a swelling (inflammation) of the brain. It's usually caused by a virus. The normal blood flow to the brain changes, and this can cause symptoms. Encephalitis is not common, but it can be deadly if it's not treated right away.
Call 911 anytime you think your child may need emergency care. For example, call if:
Call your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:
Watch closely for changes in your child's health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:
©2011-2024 Healthwise, Incorporated