Encephalitis
I. Intoduction Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain. Encephalitis is an inflammatory process in the brain parenchyma. It is associated with clinical evidence of brain dysfunction due to infective
(usually viral) or non-infective processes. The pattern of brain involvement depends on the specific pathogen, the immunological state of the host, and a range of environmental factors. In encephalitis the virus initially gains entry and replicates in local or regional tissue, such as the GI tract, skin, urogenital system, or respiratory system. Many cases of encephalitis may go unnoticed because they result in only mild flu-like symptoms or even no symptoms. Severe cases of encephalitis, while relatively rare, can be life-threatening. In other fields of medicine, such as in genetic conditions, science has provided detailed explanations as to the cause of disease resulting in simple, reliable diagnostic tests. However, our understanding of how, why and which infections and auto-immune responses cause inflammation of the brain is comparatively poorly understood. Encephalitis is a life-threatening disease occurring at any age. It is critical to make a rapid and correct diagnosis for a better outcome of the disease. Encephalitis is most dangerous in babies and senior citizens, but it can be serious and even fatal in people of all ages. With severe cases, recovery is slow and may involve therapy to regain certain skills. The prospects for a complete recovery vary depending on the type of virus involved. After encephalitis, individuals can recover with no or minimal after effects; others may be left with some form of long-term acquired brain injury. Post-encephalitic after effects include fatigue, memory problems, changes in behaviour, difficulty planning and making decisions, and epilepsy. However, other difficulties resulting from the illness are possible, so that each individual’s experience of encephalitis and its after
(usually viral) or non-infective processes. The pattern of brain involvement depends on the specific pathogen, the immunological state of the host, and a range of environmental factors. In encephalitis the virus initially gains entry and replicates in local or regional tissue, such as the GI tract, skin, urogenital system, or respiratory system. Many cases of encephalitis may go unnoticed because they result in only mild flu-like symptoms or even no symptoms. Severe cases of encephalitis, while relatively rare, can be life-threatening. In other fields of medicine, such as in genetic conditions, science has provided detailed explanations as to the cause of disease resulting in simple, reliable diagnostic tests. However, our understanding of how, why and which infections and auto-immune responses cause inflammation of the brain is comparatively poorly understood. Encephalitis is a life-threatening disease occurring at any age. It is critical to make a rapid and correct diagnosis for a better outcome of the disease. Encephalitis is most dangerous in babies and senior citizens, but it can be serious and even fatal in people of all ages. With severe cases, recovery is slow and may involve therapy to regain certain skills. The prospects for a complete recovery vary depending on the type of virus involved. After encephalitis, individuals can recover with no or minimal after effects; others may be left with some form of long-term acquired brain injury. Post-encephalitic after effects include fatigue, memory problems, changes in behaviour, difficulty planning and making decisions, and epilepsy. However, other difficulties resulting from the illness are possible, so that each individual’s experience of encephalitis and its after