- How the treatment is done
- Viral encephalitis is contagious
- Main sequels
- How to identify viral encephalitis
Viral encephalitis is an infection of the central nervous system that causes inflammation of the brain and mainly affects babies and children, but it can also happen in adults with weakened immune systems.
This type of infection can be caused by different types of viruses such as herpes simplex, adenovirus or cytomegalovirus that develop in excess, due to the weakened immune system, and can affect the brain, causing symptoms such as very severe headache, fever and seizures.
Viral encephalitis is curable, but treatment must be started quickly to prevent complications from damage due to inflammation in the brain. Thus, in case of suspicion or worsening of existing infections it is always advisable to go to the hospital to assess the situation.
How the treatment is done
The main goal of treatment is to help the body fight infection and relieve symptoms. Therefore, rest, food and fluid intake are essential to cure the disease.
In addition, the doctor may also indicate medications to relieve symptoms such as:
- Paracetamol: reduces fever and relieves headache; Anxiolytics, such as Alprazolam or Lorazepam: reduce irritability and prevent insomnia; Anticonvulsants, such as Carbamazepine or Phenytoin: prevent the appearance of seizures; Corticosteroids, such as Dexamethasone or Betamethasone: fight inflammation of the brain by relieving all symptoms.
In the case of herpes virus or cytomegalovirus infections, the doctor may also prescribe antivirals, such as Acyclovir or Foscarnet, to eliminate viruses more quickly, as these infections can cause serious brain damage.
In the most severe cases, in which there is a loss of consciousness or the person cannot breathe alone, it may be necessary to stay in the hospital to make the medications directly in the vein and to have respiratory support, for example.
Viral encephalitis is contagious
Viral encephalitis is contagious and is transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions, such as saliva or sneezing, from an infected person or through the use of contaminated utensils, such as forks, knives or glasses, for example.
Thus, during treatment, it is very important that the person maintains good hygiene and wear a face mask to prevent the transmission of viruses.
Main sequels
The most frequent sequelae of viral encephalitis are:
- Muscular paralysis; Memory and learning problems; Difficulties in speech and hearing; Visual changes; Epilepsy; Involuntary muscle movements.
However, these sequelae are rare and only appear when the infection lasts for a long time and the treatment did not have the expected results.
How to identify viral encephalitis
The first symptoms of viral encephalitis are similar to those of a cold or gastroenteritis, such as headache, fever and vomiting. However, over time it evolves and causes brain damage that leads to more severe symptoms such as:
- Fainting; Confusion and agitation; Convulsions; Paralysis or muscle weakness; Memory loss; Neck and back stiffness; Extreme sensitivity to light.
The symptoms of viral encephalitis are not always specific to the infection, being confused with other diseases such as meningitis or colds. The diagnosis of the infection is made through blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests, magnetic resonance imaging or brain biopsy.
