Persons who are suspected of having encephalitis should receive immediate, aggressive medical treatment. The disease can progress quickly and has the potential to cause severe, irreversible neurological damage or even death.
Treatment
The physician and a caregiver may monitor very mild cases of encephalitis at home. Supportive care includes fluids, bed rest and over-the-counter analgesics to reduce fever and headache. More severe cases may require hospitalisation. Reorientation and emotional support for confused or delirious people may be helpful.
Infants and children
Most children will need care in a hospital, usually in an intensive care unit. Doctors will carefully monitor their blood pressure, heart rate, breathing and body fluids to prevent further swelling of the brain.
Medication
Anticonvulsants may be prescribed to stop or prevent seizures, along with sedatives to calm those who are more severely infected. Because antibiotics aren’t effective against viruses, they aren’t usually used to treat encephalitis. However, antiviral medication may be used to treat some forms of encephalitis, especially the type caused by the herpes simplex virus, and antibiotics may be prescribed if the infection is caused by certain bacteria. Medicines to counter nausea and vomiting may also be prescribed. Corticosteroids and the intravenous administration of carbohydrate solutions can reduce brain swelling, and people with breathing difficulties may require artificial respiration.
Prognosis
Many people with encephalitis make a full recovery. However, in some cases, swelling of the brain may lead to permanent brain damage and lasting complications such as learning disabilities, speech problems, memory loss, or lack of muscle control. Speech, physical, or occupational therapy may be necessary in these cases. If the brain damage is severe, encephalitis can lead to death; infants younger than one year and adults older than 55 are at the greatest risk of death from encephalitis.
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