Encephalitis, also calledinflammation or infection ofthe brain, is a serious disease that can result in death. The cause of this disease, which poses a risk for people of all age groups, is mostly viruses. Depending on this situation, weakening of the immune system and decreased hygiene cleanliness may be a factor in the occurrence of the disease. It is possible to prevent the symptoms of the disease seen with different symptoms with drug treatments and different methods.
When the disease is left untreated or delayed, the negative effects on the brain may increase in severity in the future and may cause sudden and severe consequences. For this reason, early diagnosis of the disease and early treatment is important for the person to regain normal health.
What are the Symptoms of Encephalitis?
While the symptoms of encephalitis can develop suddenly, they can be seen in patients as high fever, prolonged headaches and flu-like complaints. While more important and serious symptoms may be experienced in the later stages of the disease, physical and neurological symptoms are among the typical symptoms of the disease.
It is also important to be informed about the symptoms of the disease for one's health. In case of symptoms, you should see a doctor and be examined immediately.
The conditions that can be experienced among thesymptoms of encephalitis are as follows:
- Fever
- Headache
- Pain in muscles and joints
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fatigue
- Nausea and vomiting
- Neck spasms
There are some mental problems that can occur in the development of the disease. Therefore, the serious problems and neurological symptoms that can develop are usually the following:
- Behavior disorder
- Blurring of the mind
- Difficulty speaking and movement problems
- Loss of consciousness
- Not remembering recent or distant past
- Seizures
- Hypersensitivity to light
- Hearing problems and sensitivity to sounds
- Double vision
- Koma
While the symptoms seen at the onset of the disease are seen as simple, they increase in severity in later periods and some bad situations may occur. For this reason, symptoms should not be ignored and should be examined. Positive progress is achieved in the treatment of the disease diagnosed early.
What are the Causes of Encephalitis?
It is a disease whose cause is not known for certain. However, viral infections are among the commonly known causes. In addition, non-infectious inflammation can also cause brain infection. There are also factors that can increase the risk of the disease, which can develop in any age group.
This disease, which can be seen more frequently in some individuals, is more likely to develop in children and elderly individuals due to viral causes.
It is more likely to occur in people with HIV and AIDS, people who use drugs that suppress the immune system for any reason, and people with different diseases that can cause the immune system to weaken.
In some cases, mosquitoes and ticks, which are seen depending on living conditions, are also risk factors. In addition, since their incidence increases in the summer months, these periods can be seen as risk factors.
It is observed that the herpes simplex virus and herpes varicella virus, which cause herpes or chickenpox spreading to the brain, cause the disease. In addition, bacterial or fungal infections are known as less common causes compared to viral infections.
What are the Types of Encephalitis Disease?
There are basically two different types and varieties of the disease. The first of these is the type known as infectious encephalitis. The most common reason seen as a factor in the development of this type is that it develops due to microbes, and today this situation has decreased.
One of the reasons for the decline is the availability of treatments for the conditions that cause the disease and trigger its development. For example, the possibility of infectious epidemics such as chickenpox and measles causing infection in the brain has been eliminated by vaccination methods.
Another type of the disease is known as autoimmune encephalitis. It occurs as a result of the immune system damaging its own cells and the brain.
How is encephalitis diagnosed?
Since symptoms such as fever and headache that occur in conditions such as colds and flu, as well as symptoms such as blurring of the mind and restriction of movements are similar to this disease, some examinations are required.
Since the disease can cause serious health problems and death, early diagnosis is important for treatment and recovery. For this reason, people should see a specialist doctor and be examined immediately if symptoms appear.
During the examination, the doctor may question the person's medical history and past illnesses. He or she may ask about past vaccinations, digestive system diseases or any other ailments.
They may also ask about any contact with animals. Since viruses that are common in some countries are a factor in the development of this disease, the travel history of the person is learned depending on the frequency of travel.
A number of imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging diagnosis (MRI) can be used to diagnose the disease. A lumbar puncture is performed to identify symptoms of inflammation in the spinal cord or brain. An EEG may also be performed to monitor brain wave activity and examine seizures.
Blood, urine and stool samples may be taken from the patient for a number of tests and to determine the presence of infection. Rarely, a brain biopsy may be ordered to evaluate the brain tissue structure. While brain pressure can be measured, the necessary treatment should be started after all the examinations and tests.
What are Encephalitis Treatment Methods?
Early diagnosis of the factors causing the disease has positive results in terms of treatment. Since the disease can occur due to many different causes, many doctors may need to examine and evaluate together. There are many different treatment methods and applications.
During the treatment process of the disease, people may need to stay under control in a hospital environment. The reason for this is to detect sudden changes that may occur in the body and to intervene instantly.
Encephalitis treatment methods may differ depending on the cause of the disease and its effects on the body. In order to cure viruses and infections that affect the brain, antiviral drug treatment can be applied to the person upon the doctor's advice and prescription.
Antibiotic treatment can be applied in the treatment of inflammation and infections caused by bacteria.
For the treatment of autoimmune encephalitis types, which are among the immune system diseases, certain steroids, intravenous antibodies or immunotherapy methods for suppressing the immune system may be preferred.
In addition, some medications can be given to the person to prevent seizures that have occurred or may occur. In cases where medications do not help, ketogenic nutrition can be applied.
Since the disease can be caused by viruses, vaccination against viruses common in some countries can be applied. It is important for people who have to travel frequently or who travel frequently to get these vaccinations.
It is necessary to pay attention to hygiene rules to prevent the transmission of viruses and bacteria and to prevent these situations.