Encephalitis Summary Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. Usually the cause is a viral infection, but bacteria can also cause it. It can be mild or severe. Most cases are mild. You may have flu-like symptoms. With a mild case, you may just need rest, plenty of fluids, and a pain reliever. Severe cases need immediate treatment. Symptoms of severe cases include Severe headache Sudden fever Drowsiness Vomiting Confusion Seizures In babies, additional symptoms may include constant crying, poor feeding, body stiffness, and bulging in the soft spots of the skull. Severe cases may require a stay in the hospital. Treatments include oral and intravenous medicines to reduce inflammation and treat infection. Patients with breathing difficulties may need artificial respiration. Some people may need physical, speech, and occupational therapy once the illness is under control. NIH: National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Find an Expert Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Centers for Disease Control and Prevention National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Array Cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) collection CSF analysis Encephalitis Subacute sclerosing panencephalitis Clinical Trials ClinicalTrials.gov: Encephalitis National Institutes of Health Diagnosis and Tests Computed Tomography (CT) — Head Array EEG (Electroencephalogram) Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Magnetic Resonance, Functional (fMRI) — Brain Array Encyclopedia CSF cell count Head CT scan Specifics Eastern Equine Encephalitis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Encephalitis Lethargica National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Japanese Encephalitis: Frequently Asked Questions Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Rasmussen’s Encephalitis National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke St. Louis Encephalitis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Subacute Sclerosing Panencephalitis National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Tick-Borne Encephalitis (TBE) Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers’ Health: Japanese Encephalitis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Travelers’ Health: Tickborne Encephalitis Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Start Here Encephalitis Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research Meningitis and Encephalitis National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Meningitis and Encephalitis National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke Teenagers Encephalitis Nemours Foundation Children Encephalitis (For Parents) Nemours Foundation Patient Handouts Japanese Encephalitis Vaccine: What You Need to Know Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Prevention and Risk Factors Mosquito Control Environmental Protection Agency Journal Articles Encephalitis
