What is Encephalitis?
Encephalitis is a severe condition that requires immediate attention. It is a condition in which active tissues in the brain undergo inflammation due to autoimmune, viral, or bacterial infections. This inflammation causes swelling in the brain, which can result in headaches and seizures.
Types of Encephalitis:
Infectious Encephalitis: When encephalitis is caused by a viral infection such as the varicella-zoster virus and enteroviruses or by microorganisms like fungi and bacteria.
Autoimmune Encephalitis: This type of encephalitis occurs when the body’s immune system attacks the brain. The brain detects its cells as non-self and uses self antibodies to attack the brain cells. This could even result in a tumour.
Symptoms of Encephalitis:
- Loss of consciousness
- Nausea, vomiting, hallucination
- Bulging in soft spots of the skull
- Impaired function of the autonomic nervous system
Diagnosis:
To diagnose a disease of this nature, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) is required to observe any changes in the brain’s structure. Additionally, it may also need a spinal tap (lumbar puncture) to test spinal fluid for any infections. The diagnosis may even require an Electroencephalogram (EEG) to monitor any changes in brain activity.
Treatment:
Doctors typically recommend bed rest, high fluid intake, anti-inflammatory medication, antiviral medication, immunotherapy, and medications to prevent seizures.
Personal Anecdote:
As someone who beat this disease at age 7, the most crucial stage is an accurate and early diagnosis. Doctors often struggle to differentiate between this disease and other symptoms because they align with a simple flu. It’s essential to know that while this disease may be fatal, one can also overcome it with the proper medication and care. After a difficult recovery, I realised how unaware people are about Encephalitis and its risk, bringing me to raise awareness of it.
