Encephalitis is an acute inflammation (Swelling) of the brain usually resulting from either a viral infection or due to the body’s immune system mistakenly attacking brain tissue.
* VIRAL INFECTIONS
* Mumps
* Measles
* Rubella
* HSV
* Inuenga
* Rabies
* HUMAN SLOW VIRUS DISEASES
* HIV
* SSPE
* KURU
* CJD
* NON VIRAL INFECTIONS
* Mycoplasma
* Fungal
* Bacterial
* Catscratch Disease
* Protozoal
* PARAINFECTIONS & UNKNOWN
* Allergic
* Autoimmune
* Post vaccine
* Reye’syndrome
* Toxins
* Ideopathic
Mode of transmission
* Respiratory droplets of infected person
* Contaminated food and drink
* Mosquito, tick and insect bites
* Skin contact
Symptoms
ENCEPHALITIS SYMPTOMS
* Fever that is not very high
* Headache
* Low energy
* Poor appetite
* Hyperasthesia
* Unsteady gait
* Confusion
* Irritability
* Drowsiness
* Sti neck & back
* Vomitting
* Photophobia
Symptoms of New born and Infants
* Body stiffness
* Irritability and crying more often
* Poor feeding
* Bulging of fontanel
* Vomiting
Diagnosis
* CSF Analysis
* EEG: Diffuse slow –wave activity
* CT/MRI: Swelling of the brain parenchyma
Complications
* DIC
* Dehydration
* Respiratory arrest
* Seizures
* Loss of airway reflexex
* Coma
* Cerebral edema
* Death
* Vasomotor collapse
Management
Supportive
* Rest
* Reduction in room light, visitors, & noise
* Maintain airway, breathing and circulation
* Control of seizures
* Treatment of raised ICT.
* Manage fever ( never give aspirin)
* Maintain fluid & electrolyte balance
* Maintain blood-sugar level.
* Feeding: NPO initially then NG Tube Feeding.
* Physiotherapy
* Methyl-prednisolone or Dexa-methasone must be given to children with suspected ADEM.
Preventive Measure
* Effective viral vaccines
* Control of insect vector
* Eradications of insect breeding sites
* Insect repellents-DEET
