What is encephalitis? Which organs does it affect? What are the causes? How is it diagnosed? How to treat encephalitis and how can it be prevented? Read this article till the end to know all of this.

• Encephalitis is an inflammation of the brain. It is caused either by an infection invading the brain or immune system attacks the brain mistakenly (autoimmune).
• It can occur at any age. Although rare, it can be life-threatening and can lead to permanent brain damage.
• Younger patients tend to recover without any complication, whereas older patients are at higher risk for complications and mortality. 

CAUSES OF ENCEPHALITIS

• Viruses are the most frequently identified cause.
• Rarely, bacteria, fungi or parasites can cause encephalitis.
• Common viral causes include Herpes simplex virus (HSV), Enterovirus, Mosquito-borne viruses, Tick-borne viruses, Rabies virus, etc. In children, measles and mumps virus are the most common cause. 

SYMPTOMS OF ENCEPHALITIS 

-Fever
-Photo-phobia
-Inability to speak or control movement
-Speech problems
-Hearing problems
-Neck stiffness
-Weakness and seizures
-Mild confusion or drowsiness to unconsciousness and coma. 
-Bulging in the soft spots (fontanels) of an infant’s skull, nausea, and vomiting, body stiffness, poor feeding, and irritability. 

DIAGNOSIS OF ENCEPHALITIS 

• Investigations:-
– Lumbar Puncture
– Scans:- Brain scans (computerized tomography -CT or magnetic resonance imaging – MRI)
– EEG:- electroencephalogram (EEG) and various blood tests.  

TREATMENT FOR ENCEPHALITIS 

Drugs:- Treatment usually consists of antiviral/antibacterial drugs, anti-inflammatory drugs, anticonvulsant medication, bed rest and plenty of fluids. 
Supportive therapy:- includes physical therapy, speech therapy, and psychotherapy. 

PREVENTION FOR ENCEPHALITIS

Hygiene:- The best way to prevent encephalitis is to take precautions to avoid exposure to viruses for which practice good hygiene, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, don’t share utensils, don’t share tableware and beverages. 
Vaccination:- Get vaccinations done. Keep your own and your children’s vaccinations current. 
Avoid Vector bites:-To minimize your exposure to mosquitoes and ticks wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants if you’re outside, apply mosquito repellent, don’t forget to place mosquito net or a repellent when you are asleep at night, use insecticide, stagnant water will be most important concern to pay attention at your home and outside, stagnant water will give rise to mosquitoes borne diseases, throw away the water inside the unused tank, flower pots as well as water coolers and clean them thoroughly.