Encephalitis

Hello friends, warm greetings from me to y'all. I'm delighted to participate in this contest; encephalitis organized by @khursheedanwar.
Let's build a little knowledge on what encephalitis is, it's symptoms as well as treatment.

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Encephalitis is an acute inflammation of the brain which could be as a result of infection. This infection can either be viral, bacterial and in some cases, it could be due to a disorder of the immune system. Basically, those who are at risk of having encephalitis are children, the elderly and persons who have a weak immune system. The type of treatment to be administered and the chances of recovery depends on the causative agent (bacteria, viruses or immune system system disorder) and the severity of the clinical presentation.

Even though the exact cause of encephalitis is still not known, it is sometimes, often caused by a viral or bacterial infestation. Also, non-infectious inflammatory conditions such as an immune system disorder could be a cause. Certain viruses that could potentially cause encephalitis include; childhood viruses, polio viruses, herpes simplex viruses, mosquito borne viruses, rabies viruses and tick borne viruses.

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As stated earlier, encephalitis can be caused by so many factors. Let's briefly look at the different types of encephalitis.

Types of encephalitis

1. Infectious encephalitis: Common causative agents are the viruses. Some examples of infectious encephalitis include; herpes simplex encephalitis, tick borne encephalitis, West Nile encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis.
2. Autoimmune encephalitis: This could be triggered by an infection. In this case, autoimmune encephalitis can be termed, post infectious encephalitis. Examples include; Acute Disseminated Encephalomyelitis (ADEM), N-methyl D-Aspartaye (NMDA) associated Encephalitis, hashimoto's encephalitis.
3. Chronic encephalitis: Often occurs as a result of measles.
4. Limbic encephalitis: This occurs when the limbic area of the brain are not functioning properly which is caused as a result of inflammation.
5. HIV encephalitis: The HIV virus can affect the brain in different ways, either by affecting the lining to the brain or damaging the brain as a result of prolonged or advanced HIV infection. Examples include, HIV associated dementia, HIV meningoencephalitis or mild neurocognitive disorder.
6. Encephalitis lethargica: This is caused by a virus and is termed "sleeping sickness" because people often fall asleep or even freeze while working or eating. It is a serious sporadic form of Encephalitis.

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Symptoms of Encephalitis

Major signs and symptoms of Encephalitis include:

• headache
• nausea and vomiting
• fever
• behavioral and personality changes
• seizures
• altered level of consciousness
• focal neurological deficits.

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Treatment of Encephalitis

The following medications.could be used for treatment and management of Encephalitis:
1. Antiviral drugs: such as foscavir and acyclovir can be used to treat herpes encephalitis and other forms of viral encephalitis.
2. Antibiotics: can be used to treat encephalitis caused by bacteria.
3. Steroids: are used to reduced swellings in the brain.
4. Anti-seizure drugs: used to prevent seizures.
5. Sedatives: to handle restless and treat irritability.
6. Pain relieves: such as acetaminophen and Diclofenac to treat fever and headache.

It is important to note that it is very difficult to know the exact cause of encephalitis, however, rapid treatment is very key. Clinical guidelines warrant that the antiviral drug (acyclovir) be administered intravenously immediately without waiting to determine the root cause of the sickness.

I will like to invite my friend, @vickyson @owulama and @deelyt to aslo share their knowledge on encephalitis.