Content
Viral encephalitis is an infection of the central nervous system that causes inflammation of the brain and affects mainly babies and children, but it can also happen in adults with weakened immune systems.
This type of infection can be a complication of infection by relatively common viruses, such as herpes simplex, adenovirus or cytomegalovirus, which develop in excess due to the weakened immune system, and which 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 the onset of sequelae due to damage from 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.
Main symptoms
The first symptoms of viral encephalitis are the consequences of a viral infection, such as a cold or gastroenteritis, such as headache, fever and vomiting, which over time evolves and causes brain damage that leads to more severe symptoms such as:
- Fainting;
- Confusion and agitation;
- Convulsions;
- Muscle paralysis or 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 infection is diagnosed through blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests, electroencephalogram (EEG), magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography, or brain biopsy.
Is viral encephalitis contagious?
Viral encephalitis itself is not contagious, however, as it is a complication of a virus infection, it is possible that the virus at its origin can be transmitted through contact with respiratory secretions, such as coughing or sneezing, from a infected person or through the use of contaminated utensils, such as forks, knives or glasses, for example.
In this case, it is common for the person who catches the virus to develop the disease and not the complication, which is viral encephalitis.
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 or Dipyrone: reduces fever and relieves headache;
- Anticonvulsants, such as Carbamazepine or Phenytoin: prevent the appearance of seizures;
- Corticosteroids, like Dexamethasone: fight brain inflammation by relieving symptoms.
In the case of herpes virus or cytomegalovirus infections, the doctor may also prescribe antivirals, such as Acyclovir or Foscarnet, to eliminate viruses faster, 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 undergo treatment with medications directly in the vein and to have respiratory support, for example.
Possible sequelae
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.
These sequelae usually only appear when the infection lasts for a long time and the treatment has not had the expected results.