Encephalitis
by jmmillerEncephalitis is an inflammation of the brain most commonly caused by a virus. Your child may show signs of another viral infection before contracting encephalitis.
Several thousand cases of encephalitis are reported to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) each year. Elderly people, children, and those with compromised immune systems are most at risk.
Because encephalitis is caused by many different viruses, the severity and symptoms can vary as well. A particularly severe form is caused by the Herpes Simplex Virus (the same virus responsible for cold sores).
Encephalitis can also be a complication of Lyme disease, chickenpox, mumps, measles, and other common childhood infections. Although encephalitis itself is not contagious, the virus that caused the infection is. Therefore, you should try to avoid coming into contact with anyone known to have this infection.
A child with mild encephalitis may feel generally unwell, with a poor appetite, fever, and fatigue. More severe cases may exhibit some of the following symptoms:
- confusion or mood swings
- stiff neck
- a severe headache
- difficulty hearing or speaking
- loss of consciousness
- nausea and vomiting
If you suspect that your child may have encephalitis, you need to take them to the doctor or emergency room immediately. It may be harder to tell in infants, so watch for:
- a bulging soft spot (fontanel)
- vomiting
- incessant crying that worsens when you pick up Baby
Your doctor may perform a variety of tests to confirm encephalitis, including a CT scan, bloodwork, or a spinal tap. Most children diagnosed with encephalitis will need to be hospitalized and monitored closely to prevent any further swelling or inflammation of the brain.
The acute phase of encephalitis can be cleared up in about a week, though full recovery can take a few months.
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